NoSQL database considerations and implications for businesses

Date
2013-12
Authors
Pretorius, Dawid Johannes
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: NoSQL databases, a new way of storing and retrieving data, can provide businesses with many benefits, although they also pose many risks for businesses. The lack of knowledge among decision-makers of businesses regarding NoSQL databases can lead to risks left unaddressed and missed opportunities. This study, by means of an extensive literature review, identifies the key drivers, characteristics and benefits of a NoSQL database, thereby providing a clear understanding of the subject. The business imperatives related to NoSQL databases are also identified and discussed. This can help businesses to determine whether a NoSQL database might be a viable solution, and to align business and information technology (IT) objectives. The key strategic and operational IT risks are also identified and discussed, based on the literature review. This can help business to ensure that the risks related to the use of NoSQL databases are appropriately addressed. Lastly, the identified risks were mapped to the processes of COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology) to inform a business of the highest risk areas and the associated focus areas.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: NoSQL databasisse, 'n nuwe manier om data te stoor en herwin, het die potensiaal om baie voordele vir besighede in te hou, maar kan ook baie risiko's teweeg bring. Gebrekkige kennis onder besigheidsbesluitnemers oor NoSQL databasisse kan lei tot onaangespreekte risiko’s en verlore geleenthede. Hierdie studie, deur middel van 'n uitgebreide literatuuroorsig, identifiseer die sleutel eienskappe, kenmerke en voordele van 'n NoSQL databasis, om sodoende 'n duidelike begrip van die onderwerp te verkry. Die besigheidsimperatiewe wat verband hou met NoSQL databasisse is ook geïdentifiseer en bespreek. Dit kan besighede help om te bepaal of 'n NoSQL databasis 'n werkbare oplossing kan wees, asook sake- en inligtingstegnologie (IT) doelwitte in lyn met mekaar bring. Na aanleiding van die literatuurstudie is die sleutel-strategiese en operasionele IT-risiko's geïdentifiseer en bespreek. Dit kan help om aan besighede sekerheid te verskaf dat die risiko's wat verband hou met die gebruik van NoSQL databasisse toepaslik aangespreek word. Laastens is die geïdentifiseerde risiko's gekoppel aan die prosesse van COBIT om 'n besigheid van die hoë-risiko areas en die gepaardgaande fokusareas in te lig.
Description
Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
Keywords
Non-relational databases, Business enterprises -- Databases -- Technological innovations, Business enterprises -- Databases -- Management, Non-relational databases -- Risk management, Dissertations -- Accountancy, Theses -- Accountancy, Dissertations -- Computer auditing, Theses -- Computer auditing
Citation