Designing SaaS applications requires balancing tenant data isolation and cost efficiency. We detail database schemas patterns to support multiple client accounts.
1. Logical Isolation: Shared Database
This pattern stores all tenant records in shared tables, separating data via a tenant_id foreign key column. It is highly cost-effective and easy to manage, but requires strict RLS logic.
2. Database Isolation: DB Per Tenant
For highly regulated industries (like banking or healthcare), provision dedicated database nodes for each tenant. This ensures complete data separation, but elevates hosting budgets.
3. Deciding the Right Fit
Startups should begin with logical database isolation using strict PostgreSQL RLS keys. If enterprise clients require dedicated hosting nodes, adapt the code to route connections dynamically.
- Shared databases minimize startup infrastructure costs
- Dedicated databases support regulatory compliance requests
- Configure strict data separation rules from day one
Moinuddin R
Founder & CEOCo-founder and lead manager of ZYONICS WORKS LLP client delivery workflows.