Almost all companies utilize data on a daily basis. While not every company works with big data analytics, most use social media, and/or a CRM. Of course, the world wasn’t always this way. 

In 1979, IBM developers Donald D. Chamberlin and Raymond F. Boyce developed SQL to retrieve data from IBM’s quasi-relational database management system. The system was more rigid and controlled than we typically see today and it could not translate complex data. 

In 1998, developers first began to use the acronym NoSQL: “No SQL systems” or “Not only SQL systems.” NoSQL developed as a response to web data and the need to process unstructured data and to process data faster. 

At first glance, it would seem that NoSQL is the only solution-  it is faster and can handle both structured and unstructured data. So why would companies bother with SQL? 

‍Structured Data

Many companies utilize solely structured data. Examples include a CRM of customer records, as well as accounting and e-commerce data. If this type of data is your company’s focus, then SQL is the best choice, especially if you need ACID compliance. 

‍Staff Knowledge

SQL has been around for over 40 years and it is lightweight and easy to learn. Plenty of programmers know how to use it and it is easy to teach to a less technically knowledgeable staff. Therefore, SQL can be very efficient at getting the job done with a limited team at your disposal.

 Availability

Because of cloud computing, SQL databases can be completed without large basement-dwelling servers. Major providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform all offer SQL and NoSQL options. The hardware is just an internet connection away, so you can apply either system based on the type of data and staff you have in front of you.

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Do you want to discuss whether SQL or NoSQL makes sense for your project? Let’s chat: https://solwey.com/book/.

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