When to use DSE Graph compared to Cassandra

DSE is a multi-model database that uses Cassandra as the foundation. Each commercial extension, such as DSE Graph, inherits the benefits of Cassandra while adding the ability to adapt to enterprise needs with other models such as graph or JSON data storage.

DSE Graph is the optimal choice for storing data when the following characteristics are required:
  • comprehensive data model
  • data is database centric with single query
  • entities and relationships are queried
  • application is read heavy
Cassandra is the optimal choice for storing data when the following characteristics are required:
  • heavy denormalization
  • data is application centric with multiple queries
  • individual entities are queried
  • application is write heavy

DSE Graph is an extension of Cassandra that reaps benefits if the data is highly connected. The graph data model is simple to understand. The connectedness of the data reveals both depth and breadth to the relationships between entities. DSE Graph uses query optimization that automatically parallelizes as much of the query as possible to increase performance. Graph index structures are used to create optimal entry points for queries before starting a graph traversal. Graph partitioning handles vertices with extreme connectedness to prevent hotspots during graph traversal. All of these aspects of DSE Graph take advantage of the underlying Cassandra database that is used to store DSE Graph data.