NewSQL is a class of relational database management systems that integrates and builds on the concepts and principles of structured query language (SQL). SQL is a standardized query language for requesting information from a database and is relational. NoSQL is a database that features fewer consistency restrictions than conventional relational databases, making it non-relational. NewSQL was created in 2011 for online transaction processing (OLTP) workloads while maintaining atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability (ACID). It provides the scalability and performance of NoSQL with the reliability of SQL.
NewSQL databases support applications that have a large number of transactions, are repetitive in their processes, and use a small subset of data retrieving processes. They are intended for companies that handle high-profile data and need more scalability and consistency than NoSQL can provide.
NewSQL advantages
- Application complexity is minimized and consistency is stronger
- Familiarity with SQL
- Richer analytics leveraging SQL and extensions
- Many systems offer a cluster of shared-nothing nodes, allowing each node to manage a subset of data
NewSQL disadvantages
- NewSQL systems are not as general purpose as traditional SQL systems
- Offers only partial access to rich tooling of traditional SQL systems
NoSQL would be a better choice for those who need availability or have special data model needs. NewSQL would be a better choice for those who like the speed of NoSQL, but also need stronger consistency and are familiar with the SQL query language. Popular NewSQL databases include VoltDB, Apache Trafodion, Altibuse, ClusterixDB, CockroachDB, MemSQL, NuoDB, and TIBCO ActiveSpaces.
