At the baseline, every database is a collection of data and information organized in rows and columns in tables, which is stored in a computer system, i.e., a database service. This information is frequently updated, modified, or deleted as needed. We can compare a typical database to a room or rack at the office, which holds important files. If there is no defined and structured process to store and retrieve these files, we may not know how to handle it by understanding which file is stored at which rack and so on.

Like the above example, a database management system or a DBMS is also a software that stacks the given database system’s data. DBMS offers the users and the programmers a defined set of procedures to write data, store it, update it, and backup or retrieve the same when needed. There are various types of database management practices and services used to store and update data. Here in this article, we aim to explore various DBMS applications when you have to make a choice.

What is the objective of database management software?

A typical database management software’s objective is to keep the data stored in good shape and safe. Any standard database software tools will help reduce data redundancy and help maintain data’s overall efficiency. Many of the database management software out there is open source, and there are also some licensed and commercially sold with many add-on features.

Based on your requirement and usage, one can choose the most appropriate database management software to ensure the desired output. Given below is a filtered list of the most popular DB management software in use.

Oracle RDBMS 

Oracle is the No.1 database management system, which is used by many top enterprises across the globe. It is relational DBMS or RDBMS software. The current latest version available in the market is Oracle 12C, in which the ‘C’ represents cloud computing. In every aspect, Oracle 12C brings the latest benefits of cloud computing into your enterprise database management.

Oracle DB can support supports multiple operating systems like Windows, Linux, and UNIX versions. The top features of Oracle DB software are:

  • 12C is much more secured than many of its predecessors.
  • Being cloud-based, it occupies only lesser space.
  • It can support huge databases by reducing the CPU and processing time.

For expert advice in choosing an appropriate database for remote DBA, get in touch with RemoteDBA.com.

IBM DB2

Like Oracle, the IBM database management suite is in the top database management systems’ front line. The latest version of IBM DB2 is the release 11.1. IBM started offering DB management services back in 1983. This database is built on assembly languages like C, CPP, etc.

IBM DB2 supports various versions of Windows, Linux, and UNIX, etc. The matures features of this database are:

  • It is easy to install and set up.
  • Data is easily and highly accessible.
  • Can save a fairly huge amount of data.
  • Processing speed and accuracy is much higher.

Altibase

It is an enterprise-grade DBMS, which ensures optimum performance and speed. This database falls under the category of open-source relational DBMS. Altibase now boasts of more than 650 top enterprise clients, many of which are Fortune 500 companies. The providers have deployed more than 6000 mission-critical use cases worldwide, covering a wide range of industries. The major characteristics of Altibase are:

Unlike its competitors discussed above, Altibase is a functional hybrid DBMS.

  • It can deliver intensive data processing based on an in-memory DB portion and a vast storage capacity due to the on-disk database section.
  • Altibase represents a small subset of the conventional relational DBMSs, which offers scale-out technology for better scalability and sharding.
  • Altibase is open-source.

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft developed its first database monument system back in 1989 and is consistently developing it. The latest version, which came out in 2016, combines relational DBMS benefits with cloud storage. The programming language used to build MS SQL is Assembly C, C++, Linux, etc.

MS SQL can work on both Windows and Linux operating systems. Some of the top-notch features of MSSQL include:

  • It is compatible with Oracle DB also and can provide better management of the workload.
  • It lets multiple users simultaneously work on the same database.
  • However, Microsoft, as we know, is licensed software and a commercial tool.

SAP Sybase ASE

ASE is the short form of Adaptive Server Enterprise. The latest version of this database software is 15.7. SAP started the same back in the middle of the 1980s. Similar to the other middle-level database management systems, Sybase also has many standards features as:

It is capable of performing millions of simultaneous transactions in a matter of seconds.

  • It leverages the benefits of cloud computing.
  • Mobile devices can be easily synchronized with Sybase DB.
  • Like Microsoft, Sybase ASE is also a commercial tool, comes at a licensing fee.

Teradata

Teradata is one of the first-generation database management software, which was established in 1979. It can work on both Windows and Linux operating systems. Some of the top features of the latest version of Teradata DB software are:

  • The import and export of data are much easier.
  • Multiple simultaneous processing is easy.
  • Data can be distributed easily.
  • Teradata is useful in the case of managing huge databases.

ADABAS

ADABAS is the short form of an Adaptable Database System. It can run on Windows, Unix, and Linux operating systems. It is also a commercial tool that offers many customized packages for users to choose based on their requirements. The major features of ADABAS are:

  • Much faster data processing, whatever the load is.
  • The output of transactions on the database are very reliable.
  • The architecture of ADABAS DB is much flexible and keeps pace with the fast-changing industry demands.
  • It is a commercial tool for enterprise users.

Some other popular options for you to consider are MySQL, FileMaker, Microsoft Access, Informix, SQLite, Couchbase, Toad, Sequel PRO, Redis, CouchDB, Neo4j, PostgreSQL, Amazon RDS, MongoDB, SQL Developer, OrientDB, Cloudera, MariaDB, etc. 

You can make a wise choice by comparing the features of each against your requirement at hand.

Data visualization and database reporting tools

Searching for tools to analyze and visualize data from your database? Check out the list of JavaScript libraries to build dashboards with.