What Is Database as a Service

In 2021, the global database as a service (DBaaS) market reached a value of $16.9 billion.

Many businesses are turning towards cloud computing technologies for the features and benefits that come with them. If your managed services provider (MSP) practice offers cloud computing services such as DBaaS, it’s critical to know what a client will expect from you so that you can meet and exceed those expectations.

What is cloud computing

Cloud computing is a technology that allows the use of different computing services over the internet. There are various types of cloud computing services available:

• Storage

• Servers

• Networking

• Software

• Analytics

• Intelligence

• Databases

Having these services available on the cloud provides increased flexibility and innovation, which is why many people use them both at work and in their everyday lives.

Cloud databases

A cloud database has similar functions to a standard database. Rather than the database being saved and accessible on a single device, however, it can be opened, inspected, and often edited over the internet by anyone with access.

The software for a database is installed on cloud infrastructure, so anyone who accesses the database doesn’t need to have the software installed on their own device.

Azure is a database service example from Microsoft that is very popular, due to its wide range of features and capabilities.

Database as a Service

Cloud computing services (and therefore cloud databases) can be set up in various ways. Cloud infrastructure for a business can be done in-house, but this means the company needs to acquire all the necessary hardware and software, and find space for it.

Database as a service (DBaaS) means that the cloud infrastructure is overseen by an external company that integrates various system elements, making things much easier for the client.

An external MSP can supply all of the hardware, install the software and manage the database as needed. This includes routine maintenance and any upgrades, as well as system backups to make sure the database is secure and active 24/7.

Benefits of DBaaS

If a company has the capacity to host a database management system onsite they may choose to do so. Many companies instead opt for database as a service, as there are many advantages to using DBaaS. Those benefits include:

Cost efficiency

Setting up an in-house database management system can be very expensive. The hardware will need to be purchased along with any software, space for the system, and staff/training to manage it.

An MSP that is skilled in DBaaS can manage all of these critical tasks, alleviating the client from having to develop the expertise and staffing in-house to implement the system.

Scaling

As a business grows so too will the resources needed. Scaling an in-house database system up or down could be very difficult depending on how it is set up.

This is a much simpler process for an MSP with DBaaS experience. In a DBaaS scenario, the client simply needs to inform the MSP of desired changes and scaling modifications will be managed externally.

Simplicity of management

Maintaining and managing a database system takes specific skills, which results in the need for a company to put their staff through extra training, or potentially hire a whole new team to run it.

DBaaS takes away the need for in-house administration. If there are particular aspects that a company wants to manage internally, they can choose these specific elements as they see fit.

Development speed

Most onsite database systems require access to be granted through IT, which can sometimes take days or weeks. With DBaaS systems, developers can do this themselves, meaning they can create a database and begin implementing it within just minutes.

Security

One of the most important aspects of cloud-based systems is security. Sensitive and personal data stored on such a network has the potential to be compromised, which could cause serious issues.

Cloud service providers use enterprise-grade security to keep all data safe. Datto solutions offer MSPs various security features such as protection of collaboration tools (Microsoft teams, SharePoint, etc.) and advanced threat protection and spam filtering.

Malicious attacks using methods such as ransomware can be extremely detrimental to any business, so having the best protection is always a good idea.

Why choose Datto?

Many cloud service providers offer DBaaS. As an MSP offering DBaaS, one of the most important things you can do is ensure continuity, and if any issues do arise you will want to keep any downtime to a minimum. Fast disaster recovery on Azure helps with this.

On top of the solutions we offer to MSPs, Datto has a range of resources to help you improve your clients’ experience with your company. Our website has several guides that provide information on topics such as small to medium-sized business (SMB) cloud migration, cybersecurity threats, and SaaS database defense.

Standing out as an MSP

As you work to make your MSP practice stand out, providing database as a service is a start, but you will need to go even further to establish your leadership.

Download our guide to building a better cloud practice for tips and best practices from other MSPs to improve your service offerings.