What is the appeal of NoSQL databases and what pushes companies to move toward implementing them?

There are many reasons why companies might want to make a move to a NoSQL database and away from traditional relational database systems. Companies might embrace NoSQL because the technology is more scalable, or for easier data retrieval. NoSQL systems may also be able to better handle the enormous volumes of data in a big data analytics project. NoSQL is also often able to better accommodate real-time data input and output.

In addition, NoSQL can be useful with data types that are not conventional or formatted in traditional ways. For example, a NoSQL database setup can be superior to a traditional relational database for dealing with a high volumes of non-transactional data transfers. Approaches like key value store setups, which are inherent in some NoSQL tools, can make it easier to direct data operations when database contents don't fit into a neatly tabulated traditional table of data.

NoSQL may have all of these benefits over relational databases, but some experts also caution about the need to assess adoption on a case-by-case basis. Cost can be a mitigating factor, and immediate consistency for database contents has been cited as an additional concern.