The document discusses using MongoDB as an alternative to a relational database in Java applications. It outlines some of the drawbacks of using an ORM with an RDBMS, such as complexity in the data access layer. MongoDB offers a simpler document model where data is stored in JSON-like documents without a predefined schema. The presentation demonstrates basic CRUD operations in MongoDB from the Java driver and discusses architecture considerations like lack of transactions when using MongoDB. It also provides an example of how MongoDB is deployed in a clustered configuration for the GoodData platform.