Self-hosting a database can be effective for many companies, but it also comes with challenges such as scaling and security risks, particularly when dealing with spiky or unpredictable traffic. Cloud-based self-hosting is another option that allows businesses to scale on demand without the need for in-house expertise. However, this approach still requires significant engineering resources and support from the cloud provider. The skills gap is also a concern, with many professionals needing to adapt to newer database technologies such as columnar databases, search engine databases, graph databases, and time series databases. InfluxDB 3.0 is a purpose-built time series database that offers real-time query responses and native SQL support, while InfluxDB Cloud Dedicated provides a fully managed, single-tenant instance of the database with built-in data durability and scalability. Ultimately, the decision to self-host or choose a managed database depends on an organization's specific needs, traffic flow patterns, engineering skills, and resources.