An in-memory database management system (IMDBMS) is an awkward term for a fairly straightforward concept. Data is stored in the main memory of a system instead of on a supplemental hard disk. Normally, the data is transferred as part of a cache or buffer pool, but with IMDBMS the transfer is eliminated entirely.
This type of technology was once considered bleeding edge and relatively obscure. As it has come down in price and complexity, though, it’s being adopted by a lot more companies for a lot of diverse reasons. Companies now an in-memory database as something that delivers a healthy ROI while enabling the kinds of data-driven capabilities that will be essential in the near future.
IMDBMS may not be right for all companies, but for some it’s the missing piece. Explore some of the key advantages, and imagine the impact on your own operations:
A Serious Upgrade in Speed
Transferring data to a hard disk takes time and retrieving it does too. As a result, when someone begins to explore a large data set or access a large amount of data all at once the delivery takes extra time. In some cases, it’s momentary, but in others it’s a serious delay. It’s possible to access the data, but it takes a lot of patience. And when time matters, an essential asset is unavailable.
Since an IMDBMS stores the data in the memory itself, access is instantaneous. Sorting through six, seven, or even eight figures of records takes seconds where with the alternative it could take days. As companies begin to collect, store, and depend on ever growing amounts of data, lag and latency are going to become consequential issues. With IMDBMS companies are not forced to slow down. Instead they can keep perfect pace with the competition.
The Power of Real-Time Decision Making
Being able to act with agility and certainty are essential in today’s business climate. This is a disruptive era, and huge hurdles as well as unprecedented opportunities are appearing at an incredible pace. No matter what industry a company operates in, waiting and wondering how to act is unacceptable. The companies that thrive or simply just survive are the ones that can forecast things faster and respond with confidence and clarity. Effective decision-making is key.
When users don’t have to wait on information and insights thanks to the speed upgrades of IMDBMS, they don’t have to wait to make decisions either. That is a tremendous asset when big decisions require quick commitments, but it’s useful in the day to day as well. When talking to clients, negotiating with suppliers, or presenting to upper management, there is no wait to retrieve in-depth information. Real-time decision making is crucial for staying ahead of the curve.
A Smaller and Simpler IT Footprint
Managing huge volumes of data is an expensive, complex, and sensitive undertaking. Most companies now understand the value of data but realizing the potential has been tricky. That is largely because storing millions of records and adding millions more is a huge technical challenge with an unruly built-in cost.
Without getting into great technical detail, IMDBMS is cheaper and easier to operate than a traditional server farm. There is less necessary hardware, less power consumption, and less drain on processing speeds. What this means is that a solution that is superior is also more affordable and accessible. IMDBMS does not eliminate the challenge of data management entirely, but it does make large-scale accessible to a lot more companies.
Choosing where and how to store data is a huge decision. It’s arguably the biggest decision that today’s and certainly tomorrow’s companies make. Don’t rush to any conclusion. But also, don’t discount what is gained by IMDBMS and what is lost without it.
