Distributed databases: what are they, and what is their strength?

The amount of data created worldwide has nearly doubled in recent years. As a result, companies are looking for scalable and flexible storage strategies, such as distributed databases.

In this content, we want to better present this concept, its benefits, and challenges. In addition, we will demonstrate how ServiceFabric™ can support information management.

In a hybrid IT universe, this type of discussion is essential to prepare the business for healthy and planned evolution. Read on!

What is a distributed database?

A distributed database is simply a database that stores and processes data in multiple locations, rather than relying on a single machine.

In general, they operate with two or more servers that are interconnected in a computer network. Thus, each environment is known as a “node” or “instance,” and they may be geographically distant, on physical or virtual computers.

Distributed databases vs. cloud databases

Although they are often mistaken for each other, a distributed database and a cloud database are not the same thing.

In summary, the former refers to a database divided into several instances, which may or may not be on a public cloud provider such as AWS and Azure. In other words, it can be implemented locally and even in the hybrid cloud.

As for the cloud database, it is implemented in the cloud and can be run with a single instance or distributed strategy.

What are the advantages of using a distributed database?

According to Statista, global data volume will jump from 120 zettabytes in 2023 to 181 zettabytes in 2025. Without a doubt, Artificial Intelligence and the advancement of new technologies are driving unprecedented growth.

This scenario is driving companies to seek more efficient and flexible methods of data storage. Thus, alongside colocation, the distributed database strategy offers significant advantages:

More resilience and fewer risks

When a single-instance database goes offline—due to power outages or system failures—all services that depend on it stop. In distributed databases, it is common to have replicas of data in multiple instances to ensure continuity of operations.

This means that the business faces fewer risks of downtime and becomes more resilient to incidents and scheduled maintenance.

Scalability

The goal of every business is to grow, but growth requires more data and more storage space. Distributed databases make keeping up with demand easy.

In general, you just need to add a new instance to the infrastructure. It doesn’t even need to be in the same place as the others, and yet it will still be interconnected with the environment.

More efficiency

Since we are talking about a database that distributes the processing load across multiple instances, we have a much more efficient environment. The chances of experiencing slowdowns and overload are much lower than in the traditional model.

This is a very important benefit for companies that need to operate quickly and constantly 24 hours a day, such as financial organizations.

Low latency

In addition, distributing databases across different locations can help reduce latency. This is because, with a well-designed strategy, data can be placed closer to the end user.

It should be noted that Ascenty has 34 data centers strategically located in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Colombia. This allows our customers to decide where to store their data with this factor in mind.

The challenges of implementing and managing distributed databases

Despite the significant benefits, it is important to assess the challenges that this model may face. In general, everything will depend on the settings, requirements, and amount of data to be managed. Check them out!

Steeper learning curve

Here, we have an obstacle related to culture and “fear of change.” Working with distributed databases will require adaptations and an openness to dealing with a new data flow.

Management challenge

The biggest challenge with distributed databases is managing all of this infrastructure. Most companies struggle to organize all environments and ensure seamless data integration.

Communication gaps

Problems in communication between “nodes” is one of the challenges that most affects companies that invest in this model. However, it is important to note that this can be minimized with an efficient plan and the use of advanced interconnection solutions.

Costs

At this point, although distributed databases appear to be more expensive, since they operate in different environments, they can actually be cheaper. This is because we must consider the costs of a service interruption.

Financial institutions, for example, cannot risk being offline for even a minute. The damage goes beyond financial losses and affects your reputation and relationship with customers.

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How does Ascenty help you take advantage of this trend?

Ascenty is the Latin American leader in data centers and connectivity. As a joint venture of Digital Realty, the world’s largest data center company, we are able to offer the largest and best digital infrastructure on the market.

We are a trusted partner, working to ensure that companies in various industries can cope with the expansion of data volumes. To this end, we have 34 data centers strategically located in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Colombia.

This means that you can choose where to store your databases, taking strategic, economic, and geographical factors into account.

In addition to colocation space, we offer ServiceFabric™. The solution is the interconnection revolution, which simplifies hybrid IT management and connectivity.