Because NoSQL databases are less restrictive than the more conventional relational model, offering simpler design and improved scaling, they're popular for handling big data and real-time web applications. However, this comes at the price of higher maintenance demands.
The latest release of DataStax Enterprise (DSE) 3.2 addresses this with the addition of automated management services, allowing companies to concentrate on generating revenue rather than maintaining the database. This makes it the first NoSQL solution to have management taken care of by the database itself, bringing features that would previously only have been available in products like Oracle to the NoSQL market.
Using new versions of DataStax's Apache Cassandra-based database software along with visual monitoring tools many database operations can be left to the system. A Capacity system collects key information and can warn admins when systems are stressed, making it easier to predict when extra capacity will be needed.
A Repair service keeps data consistent across distributed clusters with minimal performance impact. In addition an OpsCenter provides an at-a-glance dashboard together with a point and click interface to allow bulk operations like starting and stopping multiple nodes.
"By automating repair and capacity planning functions, DataStax Enterprise 3.2 allows developers to focus on their revenue-generating applications instead of their underlying database technology," says Robin Schumacher, vice president, products at DataStax. "With DataStax Management Services, DSE 3.2 delivers an easy to use and reliable out-of-the-box experience for companies who want to reap the scalability and availability benefits of Cassandra without the operational overhead of open source software".
DataStax Enterprise 3.2 and OpsCenter 4.0 are available now from the company’s website.
The company is also offering free self-paced online training to help users get to grips with the product via its DataStax Ac*ademy.