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How to select the best DBMS software: A buyer's guide
Editor's note
The database management system is the heart of modern applications, and choosing the best DBMS software for your organization is imperative to the success of your IT projects and systems. Although the database landscape can be complex and confusing, this buyer's guide has simplified the process to help you sort through the different types of database management system (DBMS) software to determine which technology or technologies will best fit your organization.
Despite the fact that the relational DBMS has dominated the market for years, today's IT departments have needs that go way beyond what this type of DBMS can provide. That has led to the increased popularity of other types of DBMS software, namely NoSQL and in-memory.
Today's IT departments that need to process unstructured data or data sets with a highly variable structure may wish to consider a NoSQL DBMS. Applications that require high-speed transactions and rapid response rates, or that perform complex analytics on data in real time or near-real time, can benefit from an in-memory DBMS. And, in some cases, IT departments will want to consider combining multiple database technologies for some processing needs.
In this guide, we will help you determine your specific needs and objectives and the must-have features that will factor into selecting the best DBMS software for your organization. We will also show you how other companies are using DBMS software, and identify some of the leading vendors and the products they offer.
1DBMS pros and cons: Relational vs. NoSQL vs. in-memory
The relational DBMS remains the leading DBMS category, but will it fit your needs? Or should your organization perhaps consider one of the four main types of NoSQL DBMSes? But then again, there's always an in-memory DBMS…
In this section, expert Craig S. Mullins examines the standard criteria you should consider during a request-for-proposal and evaluation period, and the pros and cons of each database management system.
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Key criteria for deciding if a relational DBMS meets your IT needs
For many organizations, a relational database management system will get the job done; others need to keep looking to fulfill their needs. Read Now
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Key considerations for determining if a NoSQL DBMS meets your IT needs
NoSQL represents the fastest-growing type of DBMS being adopted today. Is it right for you? Read Now
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How to determine if an in-memory DBMS is right for your company
Database expert Craig S. Mullins examines the pros and cons of the in-memory database management system, and the criteria you should consider during the request-for-proposal and evaluation period. Read Now
2Choosing among relational DBMSes, NoSQL DBMSes and in-memory DBMSes
With so many different databases to choose from, knowing which one to purchase for your organization isn't easy. In this section, expert Craig S. Mullins has simplified the process by examining the leading commercial and open source relational, NoSQL and in-memory DBMS software.
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Which relational DBMS is best for your company?
Database expert Craig S. Mullins examines the top relational database management system software to determine which best fits your organization. Read Now
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How to determine which NoSQL DBMS best fits your needs
Database expert Craig S. Mullins examines top NoSQL DBMS software to help you determine which product aligns with the requirements of your organization. Read Now
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Which in-memory DBMS best fits your company's needs?
Database expert Craig S. Mullins examines some top in-memory DBMS software offerings to help you determine which is the best fit for your organization. Read Now
3An overview of the leading operational database management systems in the market
This roundup provides a concise but comprehensive look at the features and functionalities of the leading DBMSes.
4The top DBMS products
Choosing the right DBMS software can mean the difference between the success or failure of your IT projects and systems.
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Aerospike NoSQL DBMS overview
The Aerospike open source, in-memory NoSQL DBMS is a key-value data store that enables applications to deliver high performance and rapid data access. Read Now
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Amazon DynamoDB NoSQL overview
The DynamoDB NoSQL cloud database supports both document and key-value store models, providing flexibility for development of web, gaming, IoT and many other applications. Read Now
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Apache Cassandra NoSQL DBMS overview
Apache Cassandra was designed to handle very large amounts of data and deliver high availability without a single point of failure. Read Now
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EnterpriseDB Postgres overview
The EDB Postgres platform, which is based on the PostgreSQL open source relational database, is offered as a subscription service for production and nonproduction systems. Read Now
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IBM DB2 relational DBMS overview
IBM DB2 relational DBMS delivers high availability, strong performance and mission-critical support across multiple platforms. Read Now
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MarkLogic Server NoSQL DBMS overview
The MarkLogic Server NoSQL DBMS is designed to make heterogeneous data integration easier and faster using an array of enterprise features. Read Now
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Microsoft SQL Server 2016 relational DBMS overview
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 for Windows comes in four editions, with updates that include a new stretch database feature, Polybase, dynamic data masking and more. Read Now
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MongoDB NoSQL DBMS overview
MongoDB database management system is designed for running modern applications that rely on structured and unstructured data and support rapidly changing data. Read Now
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MySQL open source RDBMS overview
Developers, database administrators and DevOps teams use MySQL open source RDBMS to more easily operate next-generation applications in the cloud. Read Now
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Neo4j graph DBMS overview
The Neo4j graph DBMS delivers high performance and availability, with its native graph capabilities for data storage and access. Read Now
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Oracle Database 12c relational database management system overview
Oracle Database 12c delivers strong performance for mission-critical workloads, with features and functionality for diverse processing needs and requirements. Read Now
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Redis open source DBMS overview
The Redis open source DBMS provides a highly scalable data store that can be shared by multiple processes, applications or servers. Read Now
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Riak KV NoSQL DBMS overview
Riak NoSQL DBMS is designed to enable storage of and access to various types of unstructured data that require continuous availability. Read Now
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SAP HANA in-memory DBMS overview
SAP HANA is an in-memory DBMS and application platform designed to handle high transaction rates and complex queries using one data copy. Read Now