A framework for selecting NoSQL Databases:a NetFlow use case

Making decisions regarding technology is difficult for IT practitioners, especially when they lack formal guidance. Ad hoc decisions are prone to be influenced by biases. This research study specifically considered decisions regarding NoSQL. The primary objective of this study was to develop a framework that can assist IT practitioners with decisions regarding NoSQL technologies. An investigation into typical decision-making problems encountered when having to make technology-based decisions provided an understanding of the problem context. The application context was explored through a literature study of the four NoSQL families. This study produces a framework to assist IT practitioners in making decisions regarding technology. The framework comprises two models. Firstly, a weighted decision model combines several constructs, thereby providing a general method of making decisions. Secondly, a 6-step process model that can be used to adapt the weighted decision-model to a specific type of technology and a specific use case is proposed. The feasibility and utility of the proposed framework are demonstrated by applying the framework to a NetFlow use case. If NetFlow data is to be used for analytical decision-making, the data must be stored long-term. NoSQL databases have increased in popularity, especially in decision-making contexts. Therefore, NoSQL is a logical storage choice. However, which NoSQL family to use is not self-evident. Therefore, the decision-maker may require assistance to make the right decision. To assist with this decision, the framework was adapted to be used in the NoSQL context. A set of criteria was developed to allow various NoSQL options to be uniformly compared. Furthermore, the four NoSQL families were graded based on this set of criteria. After adaptation, experts provided input regarding the requirements of the NetFlow use case. This resulted in the weighting of the criteria for this specific use case. Finally, a weighted score was calculated for each family. For the NetFlow use case, the model suggests that a document-based NoSQL database be used. The framework ensures that all NoSQL technologies are systematically investigated, thereby reducing the effect of biases. Thus, the problem identified in this study is addressed. The proposed model can also serve as a foundation for future researc