5 Factors when Selecting a Low Latency, High Performance Database

Choosing a high-performance database for an application requires careful consideration of several factors due to the vast number of options available, with nearly 400 systems ranked by DB-Engines.com as of December 2022. The text highlights the "Cambrian explosion" of database technologies, noting the importance of not confusing popularity with suitability for specific use cases. It outlines five critical factors to consider: software architecture, hardware utilization, interoperability, RASP (Reliability, Availability, Scalability, Serviceability, and Performance), and deployment flexibility. Users must assess aspects such as data structures, query languages, hardware efficiency, integration with development environments, and deployment options to ensure the selected database meets their performance, scalability, and operational needs. The article emphasizes the necessity of evaluating the database’s ability to handle workloads, its suitability for specific transaction and data models, and the importance of avoiding vendor lock-ins.