Databases will be king in the cloud
Google today rolled out new functionality to its database offerings, adding support for native MySQL connections.
That means that customers will have an easier time using their existing connections between applications and MySQL, even when the database is hosted in Google’s cloud. It’s an important move because often times users are concerned about how the cloud presents a whole new management paradigm. The more the cloud can mirror traditional processes, the easier that migration will be.
The move also reflects an increased focus on database support by cloud companies. Cloud providers, like Google, Rackspace and Amazon, are adding to theri arsental of cloud products by rolling out hosted versions of SQL databases, and new form NoSQL databases too.
Here’s an explanation from Google’s Developer Blog:
“Today, we are embracing open standards and expanding customers’ choice of tools, technologies and architectures by adding support for native MySQL connections. MySQL Wire Protocol is the standard connection protocol for MySQL databases. It lets you access your replicated, managed, Cloud SQL database from just about any application, running anywhere. Here are some of the top features enabled by the MySQL Wire Protocol:
- Low latency connections from applications running on Google Compute Engine and Google App Engine
- Use all your favourite tools such as MySQL Workbench, Toad and the MySQL command-line tool to manage your Cloud SQL instances
- Use standard drivers, such as Connector/J, Connector/ODBC, and Connector/NET, making it exceptionally easy to access Cloud SQL from most applications
- Replication to external MySQL databases for low latency connections and easy migration”
Here’s more, directly from the horse’s mouth.
Senior Writer Brandon Butler covers cloud computing for Network World and NetworkWorld.com. He can be reached at BButler@nww.com and found on Twitter at @BButlerNWW.
