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Which database provides data for your applications and your company? Is it MongoDB? If not, are you moving in that direction to capture the advantages of this flexible database that comes in both server and cloud versions? As enterprise software needs to grow or change over time, business owners may find themselves with an ad-hoc collection of apps, integrations, and software tools running various aspects of their enterprise architecture. MongoDB has some benefits and limitations associated with its document-based structure and its open-source nature. Overall, though, the benefits outweigh the limitations for a wide range of business applications.  

Understanding Document Databases 

MongoDB is a NoSQL database that runs either on cloud servers or a local computer. It uses a relatively flexible database structure different from the more-familiar databases using various flavors of SQL. Most databases you are familiar with use tables to store data. A MongoDB holds data in documents, though they have little in common with word processing documents. These documents are data collections. This database is popular enough to have an active user community and a good library of developer resources. A document database, particularly one created using MongoDB, has some benefits relative to using a relational database like Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server. 

The Benefits and Limitations of MongoDB 

A “document database” versus a conventional schema offers some added flexibility for complex database implementations. MongoDB can be implemented across multiple servers, which means documents are also distributed and processing can go on simultaneously on different servers. This structure speeds up the database in certain enterprise applications too. However, this benefit, in some instances, can be a disadvantage in others because relational database management systems (RDMS) are more common and familiar.  

A MongoDB database should also offer high availability and better performance in many applications. If you run an e-commerce store with high traffic or a web app with a substantial user base, a document database option should deliver adequate, even superior, performance. This depends on several technical variables, so an expert would have to evaluate your technical environment. Here are some of the advantages of using document databases: 

1. Easy scalability 
2. High performance in most cases 
3. Powerful analytics and querying capability 
4. Flexible schema 
5. Cost-effective, potentially free depending on the version 
6. Easy installation 
7. Data management services 

MongoDB is a “data platform” in their terms, a collection of services for storing data, querying, reporting, and analysis. Any enterprise that relies heavily on databases, web apps, or mobile apps are likely to find MongoDB valuable. Existing users will probably find it easy to stay with that database thanks to the resources and the option of either server or cloud-based hosting. In fact, MongoDB comes in three varieties: 

• Community Server – This is their free desktop database for Windows, OS, and Linux computers.  
• Enterprise Server – This is the commercial version of MongoDB that you get with Enterprise Advanced. 
• Atlas – This is a cloud-based data management platform that can run on Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure. 

Like any database, there are limits on things like the size of a record. Naming and exporting have a few limitations as well. MongoDB also uses lots of memory. If you know what transactions are, understand that MongoDB doesn’t do them. If transaction processing is crucial to your application, you’ll need to go with another database. Otherwise, document databases work perfectly well in a wide range of cloud-based and desktop applications.  

Beyond Databases to Enterprise Software 

Your choice of MongoDB versus Oracle or another enterprise option is only one small part of the picture. If you want to create or update an app, Dev Digital has broad experience working with both cloud-based and server-based design challenges. Connecting a MongoDB instance to an existing app or web page can be relatively easy, as with other databases. Before deciding what enterprise database to use, you want to consider not only the cost, but the limitations and strengths relative to other enterprise software options.  

Implementing the right database option can be challenging for a tech-focused company but that depends on your level of in-house technical expertise and the size of the job. As with any major hardware or software move, you might want to bring in outside experts on databases and enterprise software to ensure a problem-free transition. Those experts will be able to walk you through a design or migration process, anticipating challenges unique to your tech environment and helping avoid trouble. 

Enterprise Database Creation, Maintenance, and Hosting 

Whatever software works behind the scenes of your web presence, make sure it meets your current and future needs. We are experts in working with a variety of database requirements and enterprise software needs including for startups, small companies, and large businesses. If your business uses MongoDB or might use it, Dev Digital can help you with development work, integrations, migration work, and even hosting. Contact us to set up a short call.