Relational databases

Modern data management requires more than simple storage solutions. Anyone digitizing complex business processes needs databases that not only work efficiently, but also meet the highest security standards. Thanks to its structured architecture with tables, columns, relationships and SQL calls, a relational database model provides a proven basis for business-critical applications.

STACKIT provides three specialized relational database services: PostgreSQL Flex for complex data models, MariaDB for web-based applications and SQLServer Flex for enterprise requirements. These fully managed services combine the reliability of established relational database technologies with German data sovereignty and enable organizations to professionally store, manage and flexibly create or query their data.

Find out here how relational databases work, what advantages they offer in the cloud and why STACKIT plays a special role for German and European organizations.

• Relational database: A database model that organizes information in linked tables. Each table consists of rows (data records) and columns (attributes), with relationships between different tables being established via keys.
• Structured Query Language (SQL): The standardized query language for relational databases. SQL makes it possible to create complex queries, save, update and link data.
• Primary key and foreign key: Unique identifiers that identify data records and enable relationships between tables. The primary key uniquely identifies each row, while foreign keys create links to other tables.
• ACID principles: Fundamental properties of relational database systems: Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation and Durability ensure reliable transactions.
• Normalization: A design principle for optimizing the database structure that reduces redundancies and improves data integrity. Efficient and maintainable data models are created through the targeted distribution of information across several data records.
• Cloud database: A database infrastructure provided as a service where providers take over the technical administration. Users benefit from automatic updates, scaling and reduced operating costs.
• Transaction management: Mechanisms for the secure processing of database operations that comprise several steps. Transactions are either executed in full or rolled back completely in the event of an error.
• Data integrity: Ensuring correct, complete and consistent data through rules and restrictions. Relational databases provide various mechanisms to ensure data quality.

Anyone digitizing complex business processes uses more than simple storage solutions. Modern applications require databases that are efficient, secure and comprehensibly structured. STACKIT offers fully managed relational databases based on proven technologies - combined with German data sovereignty.

Three specialized services for different application scenarios

• STACKIT PostgreSQL FlexThe object-relational database is ideal for complex data models with extensive references and SQL statements. PostgreSQL offers maximum flexibility, a strong developer community and is free from vendor lock-in.
• STACKIT MariaDBParticularly efficient for web applications, for example in the LAMP stack environment. MariaDB is a widely used relational database that combines high performance with simple integration and is used worldwide on platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.
• STACKIT SQLServer FlexThe right choice for enterprise requirements with the highest demands on availability and data consistency. The solution is based on Microsoft SQL Server and is provided as a fully managed service.

Relational structure for consistent data models

All STACKIT services are based on the relational database model with a table and a clearly defined key. The data is stored in a structured manner, relationships are logically traceable and queries can be carried out flexibly using SQL. This creates a consistent basis for critical applications. No matter whether in the Java backend, on the web or in reporting.

Store, manage and create data with confidence

The databases are operated exclusively in German data centers - GDPR-compliant and protected against access by the US CLOUD Act. Thanks to the self-service portal, instances can be created, scaled and monitored quickly. Automatic backups, monitoring and point-in-time recovery significantly reduce the administrative workload.

Tip: With STACKIT, organizations benefit from the advantages of relational databases in a secure, flexible cloud environment - and combine technical maturity with German cloud expertise.

Relational databases for complex processes

The relational database model is based on mathematical and logical principles and organizes information in clearly structured tables. This architecture forms the basis for consistent data models. This is ideal for mapping complex business processes and ensuring high data quality at the same time.

The structure of relational data

In relational databases, data is stored in a table, with each row corresponding to a data record and each column to an attribute. Primary and foreign keys can be used to create unique relationships between data records - so-called relations, which logically map complex structures.

This organization offers decisive advantages: it reduces redundancies, ensures data integrity and enables powerful queries across multiple data records. The standardized SQL query language allows both simple data queries and complex analyses and transformations.

ACID principles: Transactions with maximum reliability

The four ACID properties form the foundation of secure data processing:

• Atomicity guarantees that transactions are either fully executed or fully rolled back.
• Consistency ensures that every transaction leaves a consistent data state.
• Isolation prevents parallel transactions from influencing each other.
• Durability ensures that confirmed changes are saved permanently - even in the event of system failures.

Thanks to these principles, relational databases are particularly suitable for applications in which reliability, consistency and error resistance are important.

The introduction of your database is best achieved with strategic planning and the consistent application of proven methods. The following recommendations will help you avoid pitfalls, ensure performance and guarantee long-term data consistency.

1. design a well thought-out database model

A solid database design is the foundation of any successful solution. Analyze your business processes and data structures in detail in advance. This creates a structured schema with clearly defined table structures, primary keys and foreign keys.

Use descriptive names and stick to a consistent naming convention. This not only facilitates subsequent administration, but also team collaboration and reuse in applications.

2 Use normalization sensibly

Use normalization to avoid redundancies and maintain the integrity of your data. However, pay attention to the balance: in practical scenarios, targeted denormalization may be necessary to improve the performance of certain calls.

Consider typical usage patterns before deciding on a particular structure. Real application scenarios often beat theoretical ideal solutions.

3. optimize SQL calls in a targeted manner

Efficient SQL queries are crucial for performance. Avoid SELECT statements, use precise WHERE clauses and make targeted use of indexes, especially for highly frequented columns.

Tools such as EXPLAIN help to analyze query plans and improve JOINs between tables. The STACKIT database services include, for example, monitoring tools that support you in optimization.

4. secure backup and recovery processes

Use the integrated backup strategies of STACKIT database services:

• PostgreSQL Flex offers point-in-time recovery with individually configurable times.
• MariaDB combines automatic backups with service guards for additional security.

Test your recovery procedures regularly and document the processes. A backup alone is not enough: it must also be able to be reliably restored in an emergency.

5 Plan for scalability at an early stage

Plan for future requirements right from the start. STACKIT, for example, allows dynamic scaling of CPU, RAM and storage - without downtime.

Keep an eye on performance metrics and adjust capacities with foresight. STACKIT's self-service portal allows you to flexibly adjust resources - even at short notice or outside regular operating hours.

Relational databases remain the backbone of structured, secure data management, even in the cloud. With data records, relationships and SQL queries, they offer a proven basis for complex applications.

STACKIT combines established technologies with German data sovereignty. The three managed services - PostgreSQL Flex, MariaDB and SQLServer Flex - cover different scenarios and meet the highest security and compliance standards such as GDPR, C5 of the BSI and ISO certifications.

STACKIT offers the ideal solution for organizations that want to modernize their database infrastructure. They benefit from flexible, scalable services that ensure maximum control and security while supporting a future-proof data management strategy.

What relational database services does STACKIT offer?

STACKIT provides three fully managed relational databases: PostgreSQL Flex for complex, object-relational applications, MariaDB for dynamic web projects and SQLServer Flex for demanding enterprise scenarios. All services are operated in German and Austrian data centers and meet the highest security requirements.

How do relational databases differ from NoSQL systems?

Relational databases organize data in structured tables with clearly defined relationships and guarantee consistency, integrity and reliability through ACID transactions. NoSQL systems offer more flexibility with unstructured data, but are less suitable for consistency-critical applications.

What security standards do STACKIT databases meet?

All STACKIT database services run in ISO 27001-certified data centers and are C5-certified by the BSI. They also meet international testing standards such as ISAE 3000 and are fully GDPR-compliant.

Can I migrate my existing database to STACKIT?

Yes, STACKIT supports the migration of existing PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB and SQL Server databases. Technical support will assist you with the planning and implementation for a smooth transition to the STACKIT cloud environment.

What backup and recovery options are available?

All services offer automatic backups: PostgreSQL Flex with point-in-time recovery, MariaDB with integrated service guards and SQLServer Flex with continuous backup. The recovery time depends on the data volume, for smaller instances it is usually within a few hours.