There are a variety of reasons why you should consider getting your database on the cloud, and there are a lot of tools and services that you can use to achieve that – one is by using Oracle MySQL Cloud Service. But listen to what Doug Henschen has to say about this. Henschen is a principal analyst and vice president at Constellation Research. He also writes extensively on cloud and tech topics for InformationWeek.

What makes people go to the cloud?

Henschen first discusses the top reasons why companies venture out to the cloud for their database deployments. Top of the list is the agile development and deployment that is possible in the cloud, allowing organizations to move fast through all stages of database deployment.

You can also get the scale you need at any time, and fast. Moreover, you have lesser work to do when you are in the cloud. Both technical and administrative works are passed onto the cloud service provider.

With the cloud, you no longer have to spend on new servers and other infrastructure, and you also get the next generation capabilities, such as big data and the insights it brings you.

 

The benefits of a hybrid cloud deployment

Some companies are looking into going onto the cloud by using public cloud services, while others prefer hybrid cloud deployment.

It is easy to see how some companies are opting for hybrid cloud. The reasons, according to Henschen, are:

• You can use your current on-premise systems, thereby ensuring that you are not wasting your past IT expenditures. Even if your current onsite system does not have enough compute, storage, or networking resources, you can just use cloud services to augment these.
• Using the cloud would also mean fewer responsibilities for IT administration and technical people. You can just rely on the IT services offered by the cloud provider.

 

Reduced capital investment is another reason for augmenting your onsite systems with cloud services. Instead of buying more hardware and licensing software, you only have to ask your cloud provider to provision them for you and pay only for what you use.

All these, while also ensuring that you can deliver on the production service level agreements. Even if your cloud provider suddenly goes offline or out of business, you will still have your on-premise systems to rely on.

Lastly, there are times when regulatory policies require that you keep data onsite. Having a hybrid cloud could help you meet those regulatory requirements, while also keeping your data more secure.

 

Use cases of database in the cloud

Henschel listed five use cases.

1. Disaster recovery. Having your database in the cloud would help minimize risks when disaster strikes. Not only will you be able to get your database back online without having to administer it that much, you will also be able to cut back on capital investments.
2. Testing and development. With the cloud, you can avoid data movements and administrative burdens, as well as speed up innovation and deployment.
3. App lift and shift. Cloud deployments allow you to be more flexible and get the scale you need. Your IT staff will be able to concentrate on developing the apps or innovations.
4. Dealing with unexpected spikes and unpredictable loads. Cloud deployments are perfect when you launch new applications, while also ensuring that you are ready for the traffic spikes that come with new or growing apps.
5. Meet unique requirements. Cloud deployments are also perfect for launching SaaS applications, especially when you have a hybrid cloud deployment. You also gain cutting-edge features and capabilities for your next generation apps.

 

How Oracle MySQL Cloud Service helps

Oracle MySQL Cloud Service gives you a cost-effective, enterprise-grade, and secure database service based on MySQL. In short, you get a top-of-the-line database built on MySQL Enterprise Edition and powered by Oracle’s cloud environment. This means you get to lower your costs while making your business more agile.

MySQL Cloud Service makes use of MySQL Enterprise Edition, which means you get the highest availability, uptime, performance, and security. You also get professional support from MySQL.

Furthermore, you get access to top-notch MySQL tools. You can use the MySQL tools that you are using now such as MySQL Enterprise Monitor, MySQL Workbench, and Query Analyzer. You can even manage the availability and performance of every MySQL instance you have.

The service is very easy to use, with a very simple console that helps you manage everything in one screen. You can also use the command line and REST API if you are more comfortable with it.

 

Other features of MySQL Cloud Service

• Self provisioning. You can get pre-set MySQL databases that are configured for high performance. It also offers automated database management all throughout its lifecycle.
• Highly available and scalable. MySQL replication can improve uptime and make your database highly available. You also get automated scaling of MySQL replicas, storage, and compute resources.
• Secure. MySQL Cloud Service has enterprise-grade security that includes firewall, authentication, encryption, transparent data encryption, audit, and network access control, as only MySQL can offer.
• Backup and disaster recovery. MySQL Cloud Service can backup your files even when the system is still running. You can get full backups online, on-demand snapshots, and point-in-time recovery without having to think about it.
• One neck to choke. With Oracle Enterprise Manager, you can easily manage all your Oracle software and services in just one dashboard. You can also get Oracle IaaS and PaaS integration, which means that when you develop and deploy applications, you will have a seamless experience.

 

What makes MySQL Cloud Service best for your public and hybrid cloud database deployments?

Doug Henschen enumerates how Oracle MySQL Cloud Service is best for both public and hybrid cloud database deployments. First is that it supports MySQL Enterprise Edition, giving you full control over monitoring, flexible backups complete with integrity checks, top-notch security, high availability, and premier-level support from the database’s own developer.

It also supports consistent hybrid development with unified deployment across all environments from public, private to hybrid clouds. You also get unified management for your database, no matter where you deploy. You can even get direct access to backups and server instances.

Furthermore, because of its integration with Oracle Cloud, you always get consistent administration and deployment, and application development and deployment. You also get seamless integration with other Oracle services and infrastructure, as well as Oracle’s data management services.

Screenshot photo courtesy of Oracle MySQL Cloud Service.