What is NoSQL Database and its Benefits

What is NoSQL Database and its Benefits

A NoSQL (originally known as “non SQL” or “non relational”) database serves a method for storage and extraction of data that is modelled in a way different than the tabular relations applied in relational databases. It is known that NoSQL is essentially an approach to database design which can properly contain a wide range of data models, comprising of document, key-value, columnar and graph formats. It is basically an alternative to relational databases used traditionally in which data is positioned in tables and data schema is cautiously designed prior the database is created. The plus point is that NoSQL database development are particularly helpful for working with huge sets of distributed data.

NoSQL vs. SQL:

The basic difference between SQL and NoSQL is actually not much complicated and the differences can be easily understood. Both of them adopt a unique philosophy for the way in which data must be stored and extracted.

Through the help of SQL databases, all data owns an inherent structure. Some traditional database such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or Oracle Database applies a schema (known as a prescribed definition of the way data entered within the database would be composed. To understand this, for example, a particular column into a table might be limited to integers only. Due to this, the data entered in the column would have a high degree of normalization. Moreover, the rigid schema of a SQL database also lets it comparatively easy to accomplish aggregations on the data, say for example, by way of JOINs.

Through NoSQL, it is assured that data can be saved in a free-form or schema-less fashion. Moreover, any data can be saved into any record. You would find four general models for storing data along with the NoSQL databases, and this lead to four general types of NoSQL systems:

Document databases: Entered data is saved either in the form of free-form JSON or in the form of structures “documents.” In this, the data can be integers, strings, freeform text, etc. In this, there is no inherent requirement to indicate what fields, if any, the particular document would contain. (Example of Document databases -CouchDB, MongoDB)
Key-value stores: Free-form values ranging from strings or simple integers to complex JSON documents are easily accessed into the database by means of keys. (Example of Key-value stores -Redis, Riak)
Wide column stores: Instead of rows, data is saved in columns and this approach is identical to that of a conventional SQL system. You can group any number of columns or you can aggregate them as per the requirement for data views or queries. (Example of Wide column stores -HBase, Cassandra)
Graph databases: In this, data is denoted as a network or graph of entities as well as their relationships in reference to every node into the graph or a free-form amount of data. (Example of Graph databases -Neo4j).

Benefits of NoSQL database:

Elastic scaling:

For many years, database administrators have stayed dependant on scale up (purchasing larger servers as database load increases) rather than scale out (allocating the database over more than one host as load increases). But, it is known that when transaction rates and availability requirements rises, and whenever databases shift into the cloud or over virtualized environments, the financial benefits of scaling out on the commodity hardware become appealing.

It is possible that RDBMS (relational database management systems) may not scale out straightforwardly on commodity clusters; however, the new type of NoSQL databases are developed to enlarge evidently to seek benefits of new nodes, and also they are typically developed keeping in mind low-cost commodity hardware.

NoSQL databases apply a horizontal scale-out method that lets it very simple to include or eliminate capacity rapidly and non-disruptively through the help of commodity hardware. The aspect removes the terrific cost and complication of manual sharding which is vital when trying to scale RDBMS.

No dependence on SQL magic:

Structured Query Language (briefly known as SQL) is essentially the predominant language utilized to query (RDBMS). Since many years, being capable to structure queries in order that they do well has become a difficult art. Moreover, complex multitable joins are also not simple to write from memory. Though many NoSQL databases support SQL access, it is certain that they do so in order to provide compatibility with prevailing applications like business intelligence (BI) tools. Furthermore, NoSQL databases works to provide support to their own access languages which can read the saved data, rather than requiring a relational model into the core database. This more developer-centric approach to the databases’ design and their access application programming interfaces (i.e., API) are known to be the cause behind why NoSQL databases have turned extremely popular among contemporary application developers.

No legacy code:

NoSQL databases are new, so they do not have legacy code. This implies that need not to offer support for traditional hardware platforms or keep occasionally used functionality updated. The type of databases enjoys a fast pace in matters of development. Every time, new features are launched, and recent and prevailing features are updated often. This is the reason why NoSQL vendors need not to maintain a huge code base. The plus point is that new major releases takes place on yearly basis rather than occurring every three to five years.

Big Data

Similar to the way the transaction rates have escalated over the past decade, the volumes of data that are being saved too gave escalated enormously. The databases are kind of industrial revolution of data. RDBMS capacity has been rising to match the increments; however, similar to the case with transaction rates, the restrictions of data volumes that can be practically handled by a single RDBMS are becoming unbearable for several enterprises. In present era, the volumes of “big data” which can be handled through NoSQL systems, like Hadoop, surpass those handled by the largest RDBMS.

Capability to handle change over time:

Owing to the NoSQL databases’ schema agnostic nature, they are extremely competent of handling change. This is because you need not to rewrite ETL routines whenever the XML message structure between systems alters.

There are certain NoSQL databases take this a step forward and offer a collective index for the structure, values, and text seen in information. MarkLogic Server as well as Microsoft DocumentDB offers this capability. Whenever a document structure modifies, such type of indexes permit organizations to make use of the information instantly, and does not make them to wait for many months prior you can analyze and rewrite systems.

Comes with flexible data models:

Change management is usually a huge concern for big production RDBMS. Even the slightest changes to the RDBMS’s data model needs to be cautiously managed and may demand downtime or worsened service levels. It is found that NoSQL databases come with more relaxed and nonexistent data model restrictions. Moreover, NoSQL Key Value stores as well as document databases enable the particular application to digitally save any structure it wishes into a data element. The observation suggests that even the more strictly defined BigTable-based NoSQL databases (like HBase, Cassandra) usually permit new columns to be made without any hassle.

The flexible data models of NoSQL has a result that application modifications and database schema modifications need not to be managed as single complicated change unit. Theoretically, this would enable applications to iterate at fast pace, though, there can be certain adverse side effects whenever the application proves incapable to manage data integrity.

NoSQL provides the ability to employ flexible and fluid data models. It is certain that application developers can influence the data types as well as query options which are usually stared as the most suitable fit to the particular application use case in comparison to those that suit the database schema. Ultimately, the result is a seamless interaction amongst the database and application; also, it fosters faster and agile development as well.

Global Availability:

Distributed NoSQL databases have capability to reduce latency and guarantee a reliable application experience irrespective of the place where users are positioned. This can be accomplished by automatically replicating data over multiple servers, cloud resources, or data centres. An additional benefit is a considerably reduced database management load from manual RDBMS based configuration, allowing operations teams to have more time to focus on remaining business priorities.

High Availability:

NoSQL databases are commonly designed to guarantee high availability and prevent the complication that arises with a characteristic RDBMS architecture that depends on primary as well as secondary nodes. There are certain “distributed” NoSQL databases which make use of a masterless architecture that distributes data equally among multiple resources automatically; hence, the application stays accessible for read as well as write operations even during the instance one node fails.

Performance:

Simply by the addition of commodity resources, businesses can boost performance through the help of NoSQL databases. It facilitates business organizations to continually deliver swift and affordable user experiences with an anticipated return on investment for inclusion of resources. This is again accomplished in absence of the overhead linked with manual sharding.

June 8, 2018

Outsourcing Pricing Models and Which One is Best Suited to you

Outsourcing Pricing Models and which one is best suited to you

For calculating a price, the pricing model is basically a computerized system which considers costs, anticipated margins, etc. When interrelating with an outsourced partner for an outsourced project, choosing the appropriate pricing model could sound confusing. You need to maintain equilibrium between the risk and reward for both the parties while making sure that your outsourcing partner delivers solutions. Thus, it guarantees that you are getting the maximum value for the investment made by you. Based on your viewpoint, business has many pricing models to choose from while organizing their subsequent outsourcing agreement.

There are few pricing models which are suitable for maintenance tasks or product support, but there are several other payment structures which are found to be advantageous for long-term projects or evolving business objectives. It is necessary to have proper information in order to select a pricing model depending on the business objectives, kind of work outsourced, the length of the project and the quantity of work to be outsourced. Let’s have a look at different pricing models and how to choose the best one as per your requirement:

Variable Rate Pricing Model:

In a variable rate pricing model, you have to pay a fixed basic rate; however, you also get the flexibility to pay higher for extra services or make less payment whenever the market price declines. This pricing model is best suited to you if you wish to try out new vendor. When you are satisfied with the work quality, you only need to pay a little higher for availing extra services.

Fixed Rate Pricing Model:

In this pricing model, you would need to pay a fixed charge to the vendor during the outsourcing contract. There are lots of companies that emphasis on this pricing structure as compared to others because they can conveniently predict the outsourcing price in advance. It might not be the finest pricing model for a long-term outsourcing contract, and the reason behind this is you may be unable to decrease the cost, even when the market price declines. Moreover, it is known that this would be the perfect pricing model for short-term outsourcing projects.

Fixed price contracts could prove to be beneficial to projects as they come with a clearly stated scope and a steady set of requirements. It is found that fixed-price contracts apply all of the risks linked with the project not being accomplished on the outsourcing partner by waiting to pay them till the work gets finished. This protects your budget as well.

For long-term projects having a high value to the outsourcing partner, fixed-rate models are ideal as it incentivizes them to finish the work in an efficient manner and obtain high value from the particular contract. It is still recommended to be ready for your partners to enquire for convenience in payment terms. Certain outsourcing providers would inquire you to recompense a percentage of the contract price depending on the success of some milestones, such as finishing the front end design. Because they undertake all of the risks, it is common that they wish to confirm they are not left abandoned. Moreover, if you are very rigid on terms, it happens that you may finish up costing your business higher in the long run because certain providers will make the price of risk management within their pricing.

Pay per Unit Pricing Model:

You can choose this pricing model when you wish to pay only for the service you used. In this pricing model, the vendor would provide you a unit–based set rate and then you need to pay for the service, on the basis of n the quantity of your usage. In order to understand this, for instance, whenever you outsource maintenance services, it happens that you need to pay for the total number of units used by you to use the maintenance service.

Performance Based Pricing Model:

If you wish to pay the service provider based on their performance, this pricing model is the best one. When you are satisfied with service offered, you would need to recompense your vendor through incentives. But, if the situation is such that you find the services disappointing, then the vendor will recompense a penalty. When you choose this pricing model, you are assured of the work quality because your vendors are aware that they would be provided incentives depending on the level of their performance.

This pricing model is also identified as incentive-based pricing models, and the model is often an add-on to the other traditional models. The model encompasses bonus payments to the outsourced developer in the form of a reward for satisfying performance goals in addition to what is stated in the contract agreement. It is known that incentives can compensate for limitations in fixed-price or T&M models, making sure your partner’s enthusiasm is maintained up along with your own.

Cost plus Profit Pricing Model:

This pricing model is best suited to you if you have plainly defined business objectives accompanied by static outsourcing requirements. In this pricing model, you will need to pay the actual cost along with a fixed percentage to the vendor. There is one downfall of this pricing model, and that is it does not provide the flexibility to cover changing business goals or technologies.

Bundling Pricing Model:

It is observed that this kind of pricing model is typically opted for into the outsourcing of IT services. Being an outsourcing customer, it is confirmed that you will usually pay a fixed price for two or multiple IT products/services which are bundled collectively. By choosing this pricing model, there is no much load on you in terms of payment as you actually have to pay less for two or more than two outsourcing services. You must make sure that you actually do not bundle IT product support with short-term services because you need to pay for the services, even if you do not need them afterward.

Profit and Risk Sharing Pricing Model

If you wish to become partners in the outsourcing projects, in order to get reasonable profits, then choose this pricing model. In this, you and your vendor would be equal partners in the outsourcing project. Whenever the business goals in the project are satisfied, you and your vendor would enjoy the profits. However, it is true for the reverse as the loss too would be equally shared. When you are guaranteed about the capabilities of the vendor, choose this pricing model.

Similar to the Incentive-based model, this pricing model comprises of a flat-rate, and it also holds additional payments till the time your partner reaches particular objectives. But, in this model, the service providers and client generally share funding the development of contemporary products, permitting your partner some contribution in the rewards for a definite period of time.

The model is alternatively recognized as Shared Risk-Reward Model. It is the one provokes your partners to implement ideas that enhance your business by appropriately sharing the monetary risk between the two parties. Moreover, allocating responsibilities to the partner alleviates some risks linked with new technology, processes, or models. It is possible that the outcome of your partner’s work might be tough to measure; hence you should prepare your mind to tolerate downsides as well.

While choosing this pricing model, it should be remembered that the outsourcing is basically a partnership, and none of the two parties should involve into the discussion trying to seek the benefit of the other. But the point is that evidently communicating your prospect and selecting the appropriate pricing model can essentially pass through a long way to attain success.

Many people wonder that for whom the pricing model is best suited. Customers having the level of governance are required to partner with the provider on such kind of projects. It is important that the client should not be reluctant to share in the downside or upside potential.

The plus point of this model is that it motivates the provider to present new ideas to enhance the business and equally spread the financial risk amongst the two parties. Furthermore, it lessens some of the risks of recent processes, technologies, or models by allocating risk and responsibility to the vendor. The pitfall of the pricing model is that results can be tough to evaluate and rewards may be tough to quantify.

Time and Materials (T&M):

The T&M pricing model is traditional one among all the pricing models. You can choose this model if you wish your outsourcing partner to bid for the project depending on your requirements, the intensity of scope and the quantity of work that would be accomplished. It is known that the model functions seamlessly if your teams are expert at outlining your project requirements. By adopting this approach, your outsourcing partner would devote less time resolving problems, reducing your project completion time and also saving you from the excess money spent.

Concluding Note:

Based on your requirements, budget and time, you should choose the best and suitable pricing model which would let you set the correct price for your product. It is true that organizations utilize diverse pricing models, but each organization defines and applies them in different way.

June 4, 2018

Software Product Development using Agile Methodology

Software Product Development using Agile Methodology

The Agile methodology is basically an iterative approach to software product development that is carried out in a collaborative environment through the help of self-organizing teams. It is the methodology that efficiently produces high-quality software in a timely and cost-effective manner to satisfy the varying needs of stakeholders. It is known that majority of software development can be categorized as either Agile or Waterfall kinds of methodologies. Waterfall methodology focuses on the approach in which development of software flows serially from beginning to end. In Agile methodology, customers avail lots of prospects to look at the software product and create decisions and modifications to the project. Hence, it is widely prevailed and adopted methodology for software product development.

Why Agile is required?

Agile development enables to avoid wasted man hours and ineffective designs. Its iterative approach makes an environment for continuous progress towards innovation. There are key aspects to why using Agile to product development is a valuable undertaking, let’s have a look at them:

It pushes engineering teams by the help of DMU cycle at a quick pace for small section of the design-

By the help of the f cross-functional teams, it is found that workloads can be managed completely autonomously within every minute task. The software product development work can continually be carried out without bigger picture meetings concerning the entire engineering team. Agile development facilitates meetings to be kept brief, tasks to be done rapidly, and it facilitates continuous workflow. These aspects benefits engineers along with overall management in the process of software product design.

It establishes an environment for innovation–

The aim of every software engineer or the team of software engineers is to develop a project through continuous innovation, ultimately attaining the finest possible outcomes for the client. It is known that static waterfall processes just enable the finest possible solution conceivable when the preliminary specifications and the workflow blueprint were considered. Whereas, Agile works to bring constant change during the whole design workflow and prepares a setting that is ideal for innovation.

It provokes active thinking and preventative action–

In a typical software design process, blueprint of tasks is to get done and adhere to it as finest as possible. The corresponding “instruction-based” work process can function well; however, it motivates development over a straight and thin bath. Through the use of iterative Agile techniques, developers can be more intensely concerned with problem solving during the course of creation, perhaps even predicting possible concerns. It is found that this kind of active thinking occurs to some extent in waterfall processes; however, Agile enlarges its potential.

All such overarching advantages of Agile when merged with more explicit outcomes of its application in every design flow cover what makes it such a valuable philosophy for the process of hardware development.

Features of Agile Methodology

Agile is designed to decrease costs of software development and the time to market-

There are many software companies who wish to develop software products in a short time and for them Agile is just perfect. The reason behind this is it enables development of the software product at the same time that they are collecting the information and requirements. Moreover, the reduced development time also enables the software product to be more accustomed to the present time and state of the market, hence making sure that the product is pertinent and will be released.

Agile is capable to provide great responsiveness with product development teams’ –

Most of the times, software product development teams are facing issues with unpredictable situations, and it does not promise well if one or two of such scenarios hit them while they are already halfway into an ongoing product development process. This implies one of the two things: either they scatter all the previous work involved into the previous phases of the cycle and begin fresh again, or they overlook the proposition of such scenarios and proceed with the product development, with the hope that the product will still sell after it is launched into the market. In Agile methodology, it is known that, the teams can respond instantly whenever such unexpected scenarios come up, and also they can adjust accordingly.

Agile is “incremental” in nature –

At the completion of all the iteration, the groups and teams involved into software product development team are mandatory to depict a product increment. It can serve as a prospective feature that they believe would increase the value to the product they are developing. Alternatively, it can be a nominal change that they consider will enhance the final product.

The backlog: A list of prioritized requirements –

Every software product release initiates with a list known as a “backlog,” which comprises of a detailed list of prioritized requirements. Actually, this is not a surfeit in the negative sense but it suggests a list of work to be accomplished. While deciding the product release, you should choose between scope, schedule and cost.

Through the use of Agile methodology, the software product development team will always regulate the scope of work in order to make sure that the most significant items are accomplished first. This list serves as order of importance and based on that software developers work. The backlog is essentially a collection of requirements that can modify weekly based on the extent of your iterations. When you decide to launch a product on a specific date with your present team, the scope of what requirements that would be completed will constantly adjust. If the target is to fulfil all the requirements, then your process would need additional iterations.

Iterations in Software Development –

As an alternative of delivering the complete backlog at the completion of a release, one can separate the work into “iterations.” Basically, iterations are tiny quantities of delivered requirements, taken from the backlog in their specific order of significance. Generally, iterations have tiny timeframes that continue from one to four weeks, based on the experience of team. In case you are functioning with a team that has not functioned in an Agile setup, it is recommended to use one to two weeks iterations, because they allow you to swiftly alter priorities at the completion of the iteration.

The chief component of iteration is that the priorities in respect to which particular requirements must be built do not essentially alter inside the iteration; however, this list must only alter from previous iteration to the next. It is important to note that single iteration may not yield a marketable release; multiple iterations may be essential for a release and to accomplish all backlog items. Though, the team must be capable to exhibit all agreed-upon functions at the completion of the iteration.

Cross-functional Teams –

An Agile team which comprises of five to nine people cover the functions of a bigger development organization, like testers, developers, documenters as well as product managers. The software development team members are self-organizing and they determine who and how to deliver the requirements inside the iteration. In Agile methodology, whenever there are issues throughout the process, gaining access to a product manager enables fast resolution to the issues.

Risk Management –

The Agile methodology accepts that project change is inevitable. The use of small iterations allows changes to be absorbed quickly without inflicting significant project risk. The backlog order can adjust as business priorities evolve; with the next iteration, the team can adapt to those priorities.

Product Manager’s Role –

The function of the product manager is incorporated into the Agile methodology. The product manager prepares and upkeeps the backlog and offers the requirements for the launch. He/she involves in the process by replying to questions when they arise. It is known that the Agile methodology concentrates on face-to-face conversations as well as test cases to facilitate collaboration and to maintain teams aligned into their focus. Moreover, this method too focuses on demonstrable features in form of the key measure of tracking progress. Based on such factors, the Agile methodology yields less written documentation as compared to several other product development methodologies.

Customer Input-

As the software product team provides demonstrable functions at the completion of all the iteration, the procedure of protecting customer feedback is greatly simplified because features can be depicted to customers then, in its place of having to wait till the last released product.

Daily Stand-ups –

Each day during the process of iteration, the software product development team will manage a stand-up meeting (alternatively recognized as scrum). Throughout this meeting, every software developer will summarize their progress from the previous day, along with any obstacles met. The ultimate goal is to solve problems and enhance developers’ productivity. The scrum master (known to be a head of the process) eliminates obstacles and they will make sure that the right persons are brought together to converse a business issue.

Concluding Note:

Business today needs cost-effective and fast methodology for implementation of software projects and for them Agile methodology is the best. The method is rapid, iterative, and safe.

Month: June 2018