Question

The use of cloud technology is increasing especially in health care. How does cloud technology relate to database management?

Answer 1

Compared with operating a traditional database on an on-site physical server and storage architecture, a cloud database offers the following distinct advantages.

• Elimination of physical infrastructure.- In a cloud database environment, the cloud computing provider of servers, storage and other infrastructure is responsible for maintenance and availability. The organization that owns and operates the database is only responsible for supporting and maintaining the database software and its contents. In a DBaaS environment, the service provider is responsible for maintaining and operating the database software, leaving the DBaaS users responsible only for their own data.
• Cost savings.- Through the elimination of a physical infrastructure owned and operated by an IT department, significant savings can be achieved from reduced capital expenditures, less staff, decreased electrical and HVAC operating costs, and a smaller amount of needed physical space.

From a structural and design perspective, a cloud database is no different than one that operates on a business's own on-premises servers. The key difference lies in where it resides.

Where an on-premises database is connected to local users through a corporation's internal local area network (LAN), a cloud database resides on servers and storage furnished by a cloud or DBaaS provider, and it is accessed solely via the internet.