Couchbase Server version 4.0 introduces a SQL gene and an expressive query language called N1QL, which combines the flexible data model of JSON documents with the power of SQL. This allows for simplified programmability and powerful new enterprise applications that can take advantage of the NoSQL data model. The addition of N1QL enables Couchbase Server to compete with relational databases in terms of query performance and scalability. N1QL delivers high-performance queries through a new global secondary indexing mechanism, which provides low latency and scalability for demanding big data applications. The new scalability model, called multidimensional scaling, allows for independent scaling of services such as data, index, and query operations, enabling users to choose the best hardware design per zone based on their workload. Overall, N1QL represents a significant step forward in Couchbase's ability to compete with relational databases in terms of query performance and scalability.