Open Source Database Management Systems: What Is Best For You?
With so many options for database management systems (DBMS), it can be difficult to decide on the right option. Whatever you choose, it is important to make sure that the database system suits your business operations. Open-source database management systems are a popular choice, but are they right for you?
Types of database management systems
When choosing the type of DBMS you want, you will undoubtedly come across proprietary and open-source systems.
Proprietary DBMS are those that are owned or paid for by the company. Usually, the company buys a license, much as they would for any other programme.
Meanwhile, open-source database management systems come with access to the system’s code. Many of these are free to download.
Open-source vs proprietary DBMS
Open source
Developers can tweak open-source databases to their needs. This makes open-source DBMS extremely flexible; almost anyone can customize the system and build on other people’s work in the community. You can add and change features to suit your business.
This also means that more and more people will hopefully be attracted to work on common code, developing the DBMS even further. On the other hand, there is no guarantee that this will happen.
What is more, where initial costs are reduced in terms of licenses, you may find that you need extra support and an expert team to both adapt and adopt the DBMS. This may mean finding skilled database administrators who have a good knowledge of the platforms to assist with important tasks.
Proprietary
A proprietary DBMS needs to be bought in some way from the vendor, usually through a license. The systems have specific features which are in-built and therefore not always adaptable to your needs.
This can be advantageous, in that they are ready made and ready to roll out, or disadvantageous if the system does not quite suit your business. You may also get instant access to support services and updates that detect and fix vulnerabilities.
Finding the best open-source DBMS for you or your company – InspireIT
In 2021, the most popular DBMS in the world is Oracle, with MySQL ranking in the top three (Statista). Your database management system should suit your needs. You might not need every feature that the DBMS has to offer, so, rather than getting overwhelmed by options, it is a good idea to work out exactly what you need first. Here are several important steps when making your decision:
1. Work out your goal
What are the most important things you need from your DBMS? Perhaps you need very specific functions, or you might need something that can be managed internally by your team. Once you know exactly what you are looking for, it will be easier to focus your search.
2. Look for ready-made solutions
Open source means you can adapt the system, but it does not mean you have to. If you are looking for a specific feature, chances are someone else has also needed it in the past. In that case, there might already be a solution/extension out there, especially when it comes to open-source software
3.Consider the total cost of ownership
Although your initial outlay may be low, it is important to consider the total cost of ownership of any DBMS. This includes hardware expenditure, admin costs, training time, ongoing support, security updates, and more.
4. Examine scalability
If your business scales up or down dramatically, will your setup work just as well? Thinking about a DBMS from a future perspective can help you work out its scalability.
Which open-source database management system is for you?
It is important to remember that, once you have adopted a database system, it is easiest to stay with it. That is why it is vital to take time to consider your options before you buy or develop a plan.
As Forbes points out, “managing data is as critical as having data”. At InspireIT, we have in-depth knowledge of database management systems and can help you choose and implement the right one for you, including:
- MySQL/MariaDB
- PostgreSQL
- MongoDB
To find out more about how we can help, please get in touch at info@inspirit.com.tr or visit our service pages.
