When Microsoft unveiled its open-source extension stack for PostgreSQL, it signaled a significant shift in the database landscape. This move is not merely a challenge to MongoDB, the leading NoSQL database, but also represents a convergence of relational and non-relational database paradigms, as noted by industry experts.
Innovative Extensions for PostgreSQL
In late December, Microsoft introduced two new extensions designed to enhance PostgreSQL, a relational database system with a legacy dating back to the 1980s. The first, pg_documentdb_core, enables support for Binary JavaScript Object Notation (BSON), a binary-encoded format for JSON documents. The second, pg_documentdb_api, provides a data layer that facilitates MongoDB-compatible commands for create, read, update, and delete (CRUD) operations, as well as query and index management. These extensions are set to operate on the Azure Cosmos DB PostgreSQL database service.
Moreover, Microsoft has indicated that these extensions can also be utilized with FerretDB, an open-source alternative to MongoDB. FerretDB’s latest version boasts performance enhancements of up to 20 times for specific workloads, thanks in part to backend optimizations.
Andrew Pavlo, an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University, commented on this development, suggesting that the distinction between document databases and relational systems is diminishing. He stated, “The intellectual distance between document/JSON DBMSes and relational DBMSes is shrinking. At some point, the two system categories will be indistinguishable (at least in terms of the data model). The DocumentDB/FerretDB announcement is further evidence of this.” He also pointed out that most NoSQL systems are adopting relational features, with the exception of key-value databases like Redis.
MongoDB’s Response
MongoDB, which pioneered the document database market in the early 2010s, has expressed skepticism regarding Microsoft’s new offerings. A spokesperson for MongoDB remarked, “The rise of MongoDB imitators proves our document model is the industry standard. But bolting an API onto a relational database isn’t innovation – it’s just kicking the complexity can down the road.” They emphasized that developers need solutions that are robust from the outset, especially when building modern, AI-driven applications.
FerretDB, which launched its 1.0 version in 2023, positions itself as a truly open-source alternative to MongoDB, built on PostgreSQL and released under the Apache 2.0 license. CEO Peter Farkas articulated a vision of collaboration among providers of MongoDB alternatives, aiming to establish a solid foundation for users seeking alternatives to MongoDB.
Farkas noted that the decision to build on PostgreSQL aligns with the trend of NoSQL databases becoming integral features of relational systems. He explained, “From time to time, specialized databases appear on the market, and these would live independently for a good while, but then going by history, large databases like Oracle or PostgreSQL would start to support features, either at their core or through extensions like what we did with Microsoft.” He further highlighted that while PostgreSQL has supported JSON documents since 2013, this alone is insufficient to rival MongoDB without additional enhancements.
The Future of Database Systems
As Microsoft continues to innovate with PostgreSQL extensions, the implications for the database ecosystem are profound. Analysts remain cautious about interpreting this partnership as a broader shift toward open-source support. Aaron Rosenbaum, a senior director analyst at Gartner, remarked that while Microsoft has committed to PostgreSQL, there is no indication of a wider trend in supporting other open-source database projects.
Henry Cook, another Gartner analyst, noted that while the extensions may bolster PostgreSQL’s market position, they are unlikely to significantly undermine MongoDB’s established presence. “MongoDB has established itself in a firm position within the market championing the NoSQL approach,” he said, suggesting that the competitive landscape will continue to evolve but that MongoDB will maintain its stronghold based on its merits.
