Relational vs NoSQL – When Should I Use One Over the Other?

In today's digital marketplace, businesses need to satisfy increasing data demands by choosing between traditional relational database management systems (RDBMS) or NoSQL databases. RDBMS uses tables made up of rows and columns for structured data storage, while NoSQL is designed for modern environments that span digital, mobile, and cloud applications. The choice depends on factors such as application requirements, data types, expected growth, and downtime tolerance. While relational databases are suitable for transaction-focused applications with clear relationships and complex queries, NoSQL databases are better suited for handling big data, performing real-time analytics, and working with a variety of data types. Companies like ACI Worldwide have successfully implemented NoSQL databases to improve fraud detection rates and save millions of dollars in the process.