Non-Relational Data on Azure Online Training

Non-relational data refers to data and databases that don't follow the traditional row & column structure you might be used to – those are relational databases. Non-relational databases work by storing data in more flexible formats than the rigid row/column arrangement. That flexibility means that non-relational databases can store much more diverse and dynamic data types. Non-relational databases typically benefit from distributed computing to manage unstructured or semi-structured data.

No, although Azure does support non-relational data, it also has robust and excellent services for relational databases, like Azure SQL Database. When it comes to non-relational data, Azure has services like Azure Cosmos that are specifically meant for non-relational needs. Cosmos can support diverse data models and formats. Overall, Azure can provide flexibility for customers whose data storage solution includes only relational, only non-relational, or some combination of the two.

This course is best for IT professionals who work with data in one form or another, like database administrators (DBAs), data engineers and application developers who intake diverse data for their apps. But anyone who works with diverse data types should consider taking this non-relational data on Azure course. Understanding Azure services and tools like Cosmos DB can make a huge difference in producing scalable, high-performance apps in different contexts.

NoSQL databases like Cosmos DB are best at handling unstructured data or data that's only semi-structured – those can apply to many different data types. NoSQL databases are often deployed when there are large volumes of rapidly changing and diverse data – that can include JSON or XML documents, key-value pairs or graphs. Cosmos and other NoSQL solutions excel at flexible and scalable data storage applications in e-commerce, social media and IoT, etc.

Azure Cosmos DB is actually multi-modal, which means it's both relational and non-relational. Whether you need one of those or both, Azure Cosmos has solutions that can fit your needs. Cosmos supports multiple data models and when compared to solutions like Azure SQL, Cosmos is especially good for globally distributed and highly scalable applications. Cosmos DB's non-relational offerings are low-latency, multi-regional and are designed to handle evolving data requirements.