Managed vs. unmanaged MySQL

✅ Pros (managed MySQL)

  • Simplicity and Ease of Setup: Managed databases abstract away the complexities of database administration. It's click and you're done.
  • Reduced Maintenance Burden: The cloud provider handles infrastructure maintenance, including backups, updates, and security patches. This frees you from time-consuming database management tasks.
  • Scalability: Managed databases allow easy scaling. You can adjust resources (CPU, memory, storage) as needed without manual intervention.
  • Automated Failover: Managed services often include automated failover mechanisms, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime.
  • Security: Providers implement robust security measures, reducing the risk of data breaches.

❌ Cons (managed MySQL)

  • Cost: Managed databases are typically more expensive than self-managed ones. You pay for the convenience and support provided by the cloud provider.
  • Limited Control: You have less control over the database configuration and settings. Customizations may be restricted.
  • Performance Variability: Shared resources in a managed environment may lead to performance fluctuations.
  • Data Privacy Concerns: Some organizations have strict data privacy requirements that may not align with a managed service.

✅ Pros (own MySQL)

  • Full Control: Running your own database gives you complete control over configuration, tuning, and optimizations.
  • Customization: You can tailor the database setup to your application’s specific needs.
  • Cost Savings: Self-hosting can be cost-effective, especially for smaller projects or teams with limited budgets.
  • Flexibility: You can choose any database version, plugins, and extensions.
  • Kubernetes Integration: If you’re already using Kubernetes for other services, hosting your database there provides consistency.

❌ Cons (own MySQL)

  • Complexity: Setting up and maintaining a Kubernetes cluster and managing the database requires expertise.
  • Operational Overhead: Regular backups, updates, and monitoring become your responsibility.
  • Scalability Challenges: Scaling may involve manual intervention and coordination.
  • High Availability: Implementing failover and redundancy can be intricate.
  • Security Risks: Misconfigurations or vulnerabilities could expose your database to risks.