Perspectives on NoSQL

Location

The NoSQL movement has captured the attention of many web developers, often times using the myth that SQL databases like PostgreSQL do not scale as well as newer technologies. We wil examine many of the more popular key/value store databases and illustrate the pros and cons of using a "NoSQL" database, examining the features of the more popular NoSQL alternatives in comparison to PostgreSQL. More importantly, we will address the impact of NoSQL technology at scale as it compares to PostgreSQL and ultimately discover why PostgreSQL is the YesQL alternative to today's upstart database technologies.

Key/Value database stores are not new technology, but 2009 was the year of alternative "NoSQL" databases. In this talk, alternative databases such as CouchDB, Tokyo Tyrant, Redis, MongoDB, Cassandra and Project Voldemort will covered, providing a feature and performance comparisons to PostgreSQL. We will examine the technical and business impact of using alternative database technologies such as those listed and review their technical strengths and weaknesses.

While the PostgreSQL content itself will be limited to how PostgreSQL compares to these technologies, the content should satisfy both developer and dba interest in the subject. In summary, we will review what PostgreSQL can learn from these newer projects and what needs to be done to broaden PostgreSQL's appeal to the many web development communities.