Here's a comprehensive overview of popular cloud database services and their key features:
📦 Main Cloud Database Services
Amazon RDS
- Fully managed relational database service
- Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Oracle, and SQL Server
- Learn more about Amazon RDS
Google Cloud Spanner
- Globally distributed, horizontally scalable database
- Strong consistency & automatic sharding
Azure SQL Database
- Hybrid cloud relational database
- Built on Microsoft SQL Server technology
🌍 Key Considerations
- Cost: Compare pricing models (pay-as-you-go, reserved instances)
- Performance: Evaluate latency, scalability, and replication options
- Security: Check encryption, IAM, and compliance certifications
- Integration: Ensure compatibility with your existing tools and workflows
📈 Comparison Table
| Feature | Amazon RDS | Google Cloud Spanner | Azure SQL Database |
|---|---|---|---|
| Database Type | Relational | Relational/NoSQL | Relational |
| Scalability | Moderate | High | High |
| Consistency | Strong (for MySQL/PostgreSQL) | Strong (with Spanner's TrueTime) | Strong |
| Managed Service | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Want to dive deeper into cloud database fundamentals? Explore our beginner's guide for detailed explanations.