Cognitive Class

NoSQL and DBaaS 101

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About This Course

Get technical hands-on knowledge of NoSQL (Non-SQL or Not-only-SQL) databases and Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) offerings.

With the advent of Big Data and agile development methodologies, NoSQL  databases have gained a lot of relevance. Their main advantage is the ability to handle effectively scalability and flexibility issues for modern applications.

  • Use the Cloudant NoSQL database as an example to learn how to create and replicate databases, load and query data, and other operations.
  • If you are struggling with the management of an existing datastore and want to offload administration to a service provider or if you require high availability and disaster recovery redundancy across nodes, data centers, geographies or asynchronous mobile/client access to application data, you may want to consider a NoSQL database offered as a Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS).

Course Syllabus

  • Module 1 - Introducing NoSQL
    1. Define the term NoSQL and the technology it references.
    2. Describe NoSQL history in the database landscape.
    3. Explain concepts and characteristics of NoSQL databases.
    4. List the primary benefits to adopting a NoSQL database.
  • Module 2 - Defining NoSQL Database Types, Options, and Use Cases
    1. Define the major types of NoSQL Databases.
    2. Describe the primary use cases of each.
    3. Differentiate the major architectural differences between the types.
  • Module 3 - Choosing a Data Layer for Your Application
    1. Differentiate local database system, hosted database, and database-as-a-service.
    2. Examine relevant factors and considerations to determine an appropriate data layer.
  • Module 4 - Introducing Cloudant – a NoSQL DBaaS
    1. List the key benefits of IBM Cloudant, a NoSQL Database-as-a-Service.
    2. Describe Cloudant’s architecture.
    3. List the features of Cloudant.
    4. Explain the problems a Cloudant solution can solve.
    5. Describe Cloudant’s deployment options.
  • Module 5 - Getting Started With IBM Cloudant: A Hands-On Introduction
    1. Sign up for an IBM Cloudant account.
    2. View your dashboard.
    3. Create a database and add data documents.
    4. Change database permissions.
    5. Replicate a sample database.
    6. Query data.
    7. Work with the HTTP API.
    8. Access documentation and support resources.

General Information

  • This course is free.
  • It is self-paced.
  • It can be taken at any time.
  • It can be audited as many times as you wish.

Recommended skills prior to taking this course

  • Basic understanding of databases, HTTP, and JSON.
  • Familiarity using a browser and/or cURL on the Linux command line.

Requirements

  • A computer with internet access.
  • A modern browser; Google Chrome is recommended.
  • cURL installed and working to access HTTP REST API from the command line.

Course Staff

Sharin Richard, Instructor of Introduction to NoSQL and DBaaS

Sharyn Richard

Sharyn Richard currently works in the IBM Analytics division of IBM, and has worked for IBM for over 18 years holding a variety of roles including Instructional Designer, Information Architect, and Multimedia Architect. She has created technical content for multiple IBM products such as IBM Cloudant, IBM Notes/Domino, IBM Sametime, IBM SmartCloud, and IBM Connections. Sharyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics/ Statistics and a Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Michael Breslin

Michael Breslin currently works in the IBM Analytics division of IBM as the Director of Services & Training for IBM Cloudant, a NoSQL DBaaS. Michael has worked in a variety of customer success roles for software companies, with an emphasis on professional services and enablement. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Cornell University.

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