NoSQL databases: a step to database scalability in web environment

Abstract

Purpose The paper aims to focus on so‐called NoSQL databases in the context of cloud computing. Design/methodology/approach Architectures and basic features of these databases are studied, particularly their horizontal scalability and concurrency model, that is mostly weaker than ACID transactions in relational SQL‐like database systems. Findings Some characteristics like a data model and querying capabilities of NoSQL databases are discussed in more detail. Originality/value The paper shows vary different data models and query possibilities in a common terminology enabling comparison and categorization of NoSQL databases.