Gartner Insights Abstract

Assessing the Key Capabilities of Distributed SQL Databases

Published: 31 July 2024

Summary

Distributed SQL databases are less commonly used today than centralized transactional RDBMSs or distributed eventually consistent NoSQL databases. This research explores the benefits and cautions of today’s distributed SQL databases for data engineers.

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Overview

Key Findings
  • Distributed SQL databases offer the combined benefits of both distributed eventual consistency systems and centralized database architectures. Having all the capabilities of two separate architectures in a single platform is an attractive prospect for high-end distributed workloads. However, distributed SQL databases are not lightweight solutions.

  • Distributed SQL databases are less commonly used than traditional centralized transaction processing systems and eventually consistent distributed systems because of the demands they make for development, operations and network infrastructure resources.

  • Adopting a distributed SQL database for use in enterprise solutions will require a significant commitment in terms of learning curve and allocation of development

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Analysts:

Lyn Robison

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