Item: Google Cloud SQL
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use Google Cloud SQL for databases that are accessed across multiple servers. These dedicated SQL instances are easy to set up since they don't require a host VM. Not requiring a host VM also allows them to be more flexible and scalable. Settings allow Google Cloud SQL instances to automatically scale size as storage needs increase, and perform scheduled maintenance and backup. In our experience scaling and maintenance do not impact any system functionality.

Pros and Cons

Easy setup - No host VM, no software installation or configuration required.
Day to day reliability - Not depending on host VM allows more uptime.
Long term reliability - Storage scaling, backups, and maintenance can be scheduled to occur automatically.

Secure access is complicated to set up - This is the nature of secure access, but it can be frustrating spending much time simply configuring access.
No custom IP - It isn't possible to customize an instance's IP. This makes it harder to replace an instance since a new or clone instance always gets a new IP.
Cost tends to increase - This is the nature of cloud hosting, but over time costs creep up as utilization increases.

Return on Investment

Simpler IT administration since database software management is eliminated.
Lower server requirements since databases are in dedicated instances.
Higher reliability and uptime.

Alternatives Considered

Azure SQL Database, Amazon SimpleDB and Rackspace Cloud Hosting

There are many options for cloud-hosted dedicated SQL instances. In many ways, simply moving from software and server-based database to a dedicated cloud database is just generally good. All hosts provide some sort of scaling and backup, and all separate the server management from database administration.
Google Cloud SQL is very straightforward and easy to use. Once a SQL instance is created, there are easy to follow guides for getting connected and adjusting basic features.
The real benefit of using Google's services over another provider comes into play for anybody already using other Google Cloud services. Management is easy since all Google Cloud resources can be accessed from a single console web interface. Perhaps most importantly, communications between cloud resources are more secure since they don't go over the public internet, and they generally avoid incurring networking charges.

Support Rating

Support for Google Cloud SQL is much like support for any other Google Cloud resource. There is extensive documentation from Google and some from the outside community. Google also provides surprisingly effective on-page tutorials to help when starting out. For anybody who is technically inclined, this will be more than enough to get started, the rest is just good old fashioned database administration.
If personalized support is required, as with all Google Cloud resources, a paid support plan is required. This can be frustrating, but given the uniqueness and complexity of the platform for individual users, this is probably not avoidable.

Key Insights

Do you think Google Cloud SQL delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Google Cloud SQL's feature set?

Yes

Did Google Cloud SQL live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Google Cloud SQL go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Google Cloud SQL again?

Yes

Other Software Used

ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect), Ubiquiti Networks UniFi, Slack, Asana

Likelihood to Recommend

Google Cloud SQL is a great resource for some purposes, but it's probably overkill for others.
In cases where a database is not always needed (on sometimes, off others), it would be better to use a traditional software installation. If database needs are relatively small, software installation will perform just as well and be easier to support. If a database is only needed in one physical site or a small geographical region, it's better to use a regular server based installation. But as soon as a project has greater database needs, Google Cloud SQL is a great choice. Consider using it if any of these apply:

A large amount of data (10+ GB).
Decentralized access (many worksites, end-users, etc.).
Uptime and reliability are required.

Simpler and more reliable database hosting

Overall Satisfaction with Google Cloud SQL