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Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL is a fully managed and serverless NoSQL and vector database for modern app development, including AI applications and agents. With its SLA-backed speed and availability as well as instant dynamic scalability, it's ideal for real-time NoSQL applications that require high performance and distributed computing over massive volumes of NoSQL and vector data.
This service is tailored for NoSQL workloads for scale-out scenarios. It supports querying JSON data using a SQL-like query language, making it approachable for developers familiar with the SQL syntax while using the flexibility of a NoSQL unstructured data store.
Global Distribution and Scalability
Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL is designed to scale horizontally across multiple regions, ensuring low-latency access to data for users worldwide. With its turnkey global distribution, you can replicate your data across Azure regions with just a few actions. The service automatically handles partitioning and scaling to meet your application's performance and storage needs.
Flexible Schema and JSON Data Model
The API for NoSQL uses a JSON-based data model, allowing you to store and query unstructured or semi-structured data without the constraints of a fixed schema. This flexibility makes it ideal for applications where data structures evolve over time, such as IoT, e-commerce, and social media platforms.
Low Latency and High Availability
Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL guarantees single-digit millisecond read and write latencies at the 99th percentile. It also offers 99.999% availability for multi-region configurations, ensuring your application remains responsive and reliable even during peak usage or regional outages.
SQL-like Query Language
The API for NoSQL provides a SQL-like query language for querying JSON data, making it easy for developers to retrieve and manipulate data without learning a new syntax. This feature bridges the gap between traditional relational database users and NoSQL systems.
Requirements and Dependencies
To use Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL, you need an Azure subscription. The service integrates seamlessly with other Azure services, such as Azure Functions, Azure Logic Apps, and Azure Synapse Analytics, enabling you to build end-to-end solutions. Software Development Kits (SDKs) are available for popular programming languages, including .NET, Python, TypeScript, Rust, Go, JavaScript, and Java.
Limitations and Considerations
While Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL is highly versatile, it's optimized for JSON-based NoSQL workloads for scale-out scenarios.
If your application requires support for other database models, such as MongoDB, Cassandra, PostgreSQL, or Gremlin, consider one of the following services:
- Azure DocumentDB
- Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra
- Graph in Microsoft Fabric
- Azure Database for PostgreSQL
Additionally, the service's cost model is based on provisioned throughput (RU/s), so careful planning is required to optimize costs for your workload.
Azure Cosmos DB vs. Azure DocumentDB
Azure Cosmos DB and Azure DocumentDB are both powerful NoSQL database services designed to help you build successful applications with flexible JSON data models. Azure Cosmos DB is optimized for scale-out scenarios that require global distribution, massive scale, and instantaneous scaling. It offers a 99.999% availability service level agreement (SLA) with automatic failover across multiple regions. This reliability makes it perfect for high-traffic web apps, IoT data collection, real-time gaming, and global online stores that need reliable performance worldwide.
Azure DocumentDB is optimized for scale-up scenarios that prioritize rich query capabilities and familiar development experiences. Azure DocumentDB is powered by the open-source DocumentDB engine. DocumentDB is built on the PostgreSQL engine with full MongoDB wire protocol compatibility. Azure DocumentDB excels at complex aggregation pipelines, analytical queries, and advanced document database features. It's ideal for content management systems, analytics platforms, MongoDB migrations, and applications requiring sophisticated query operations with predictable vCore-based pricing.
| Azure Cosmos DB | Azure DocumentDB | |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling model | Horizontal (RU-based) | Vertical (vCore-based) |
| Availability SLA | 99.999% (multi-region) | 99.995% |
| Query complexity | Optimized for point reads and simple queries | Advanced aggregation pipelines and complex joins |
| Global distribution | Turn-key multi-region with automatic failover | Regional deployment with geo-replicas |
| Pricing model | Variable (RU-based) or serverless | Predictable (compute + storage) |
For more detailed information about the differences between Azure DocumentDB and Azure Cosmos DB, see Azure DocumentDB vs. Azure Cosmos DB decision guide.