NoSQL and DBaaS 101

About This Course

Are you building a new application and want to utilize an operational datastore that has a flexible schema for fast and simple development? Do you need to ensure your entire application stack can scale elastically to accommodate a fast-growing dataset and a surge in concurrent users? Are you struggling with the management of an existing datastore and want to offload administration to a service provider? Do you require high availability and disaster recovery redundancy across nodes, data centers, geographies or asynchronous mobile/client access to application data?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then you have probably started to explore NoSQL and/or Database-as-a-Service offerings. In this NoSQL course, we will provide an overview of the NoSQL database landscape, the benefits of using a Database-as-a-Service offering, and where Cloudant fits into the picture. Additionally, we’ll get you started with using Cloudant by providing tutorials on account sign up, creating and replicating databases, loading and querying data, and conclude by pointing you to additional resources to continue on your education.

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Course Syllabus

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• Define NoSQL, its characteristics and history, and the primary benefits for using NoSQL databases.
• Define the major types of NoSQL databases including a primary use case and advantages/disadvantages of each type.
• Describe the factors affecting return on investment for using locally hosted database vs. database-as-a-service.
• List the key benefits of IBM Cloudant, a NoSQL Database-as-a-Service for Web and mobile applications.
• Create a document database, add documents, and run queries using IBM Cloudant.
• Access additional resources including training, documentation, articles, and books to continue to learn about NoSQL databases.

General Information

• This course is free.
• It is self-paced.
• It can be taken at any time.
• It can be taken as many times as you wish.
• A laptop/desktop that is connected to the Internet is required for the Introducing NoSQL & Database-as-a-Service course.
• A modern browser is required for the course and Google Chrome is recommended.
• Students passing the course (by passing the final exam) will have immediate access to printing their online certificate of achievement.
• Your name in the certificate will appear exactly as entered in your profile in BigDataUniversity.com.
• If you did not pass the course, you can take it again at any time.

Requirements

• A laptop/desktop that is connected to the Internet is required for the Introducing NoSQL & Database-as-a-Service course.
• A modern browser is required for the course and Google Chrome is recommended.
• You will need to have cURL installed and working to access HTTP REST API from the command line.

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

Course Staff

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.

Grading Scheme

The minimum passing mark for the course is 60%, where the final test is worth 100% of the course mark. You have 3 attempts to take the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What web browser should I use?

The Open edX platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Firefox or Safari, or with Internet Explorer version 9 and above.

See our list of supported browsers for the most up-to-date information.