In the era of Digital Transformation, more and more companies are collecting and harnessing massive amounts of data.
As data needs accessible storage and use, Database Management Software has become the go-to solution.
In this article, we’ll define Database Software, how DBMS works and its features.
We'll end up with a list of the best Database tools currently available.
What is Database Management Software?
How to define Database Software?
Well, abbreviated as DBMS, a database of software enables the efficient creation and management of data.
These further include creating, storing, retrieving and updating data sources, ensuring consistency, accuracy and security.
Users can organize and structure data, define relationships between models and extract specific information.
In addition, DBMS offers backup and recovery, data replication and access control to ensure data integrity and availability.
Large data sets are a valuable asset that requires proper management and protection.
That's why Database Management Software plays a vital role in modern businesses!
Functions of Database Management Software
One of the most important functions of DBMS is to ensure data security in case of unexpected events.
DBMS stores data in a centralized location, making it easy to access and manage.
Yet, they also allow multiple users to share data, which is useful in collaborative environments.
In this context, DBMS has different access levels to guarantee only administrators or authorized users access sensitive data.
While managing large amount of data, DBMS also ensures intuitive User Interfaces to work effortlessly.
Features of Database Management Software
- Integrity. Well-built DBMS must ensure accurate and consistent data with no entry errors or duplicates.
- Consistency. It's also important to guarantee consistent, up-to-date data. This helps companies in the event of system crashes or hardware failures.
- Structure. DBMS help organize data logically and meaningfully. Users should be able to define structures and relationships to store and retrieve data.
- Protocols. Database Software must offer security protocols like authentication, encryption, and auditing to protect data.
- Customization. Software databases should allow users to customize data by defining tailored fields and relationships.
- Storage. DBMS stores data permanently in memory databases so that historical data is always available.
- Reporting. Users should be able to build and customize reports within their preferred DBMS.
- Space. Database Software help save storage by reducing data duplications and redundancy.
- Redundancy. Databases ensure minimal data redundancy for businesses to avoid inconsistencies.
- Rules. In DBMS users can define rules and constraints for data entry and storage.
4 Main Types of Database Management Software
Hierarchical DBMS
First developed by IBM, these DBMSs store data through a hierarchical structure or parent-child models.
Hierarchical Database Management Software contains info about the data itself.
Yet, it also includes data relationships, organized in a tree-like structure.
This one-to-one or one-to-many format means child records can't have more than one parent.
Hierarchical model DBMS include Windows Registry and IBM Information Management System (IMS).
2. Network DBMS
Developed by Charles Bachman, Network DBMSs use network structures to build data relationships.
These DBMS are more flexible, as they allow many-to-many connections.
Each child can have many parents, and children are "members" while parents are "occupiers."
Examples of Network Database Software include IDMS, Raina, and Database Manager.
3. Relational DBMS
You can use Relational Database Software models where there are relationships between data.
Often, data is stored in related tables, and in these, the data gets organized in rows and columns.
Here, rows represent different records, and columns show attributes.
As a differential, Relational Database Management Software has its specific programming language: Structured Query Language (SQL).
Relational systems are quite popular as they are more flexible than hierarchical and network databases. Examples include MySQL and Oracle.
4. Object-Oriented DBMS
This type of DBMS arises from Object-Oriented Programming (OOP).
Different types of data are translated to objects instead of rows and columns.
In Object-Oriented Software, database objects have members such as fields, methods, and properties.
This DBMS is compatible with many programming languages, such as C++ and Java.
Best Database Management Softwares
There is a wide range of DBMS, but what is the best database tool?
Side note: you'll need to use Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to create a database that can access your data.
Now, without further ado, here is a list of outstanding tools of DBMS:
1. MongoDB
One of the most popular NoSQL DBMSs available in the market!
MongoDB is document-based, supports scalability and agility, and has speedy query performance.
With 24/7 support and reliable backup and recovery, it has both free and commercial versions.
Some known companies that use MongoDB include Toyota and Bosch.
2. PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is a free, object-relational, open-source tool for building complex database structures.
Some key features are its database replication and disaster recovery.
It also includes extensibility and support for many languages and international character sets.
This database environment runs in several OS, including Linux, Solaris, Microsoft Windows, macOS and FreeBSD.
Enterprises that harness PostgreSQL include Instagram, Netflix and Uber.
3. Knack
Knack is an online base that allows data structure, connection and extension through a simple UI without coding.
Knack likewise offers mobile access, pre-created templates, and support for many languages.
Companies leveraging Knack include Spotify, Harvard University and Zendesk.
4. MySQL
An open-source relational database, MySQL offers a business-oriented approach for increased database scalability and security.
With technical support and robust backup and recovery, it's easy to learn and flexible to create custom databases.
It's also great for integrations with the Apache Web Engine.
Clients include Booking.com, Dropbox and GitHub.
5. Oracle
Oracle DBMS provides pluggable databases, secure data management, and smart suggestions.
These features are leveraged with its flexibility, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Costs depend on the business type and size, with Motorola, Zoom and Samsonite among its clients.
6. Microsoft SQL
A popular RDBMS, Microsoft SQL Server offers excellent performance and query-improved real-time processing.
Moreover, it has automatic plan correction, backup, and recovery facilities and works on Windows, Linux, and Docker.
Backed up by clients like Itaú and the NBA, you can get its Express and Developer versions for free.
Why is Database Management Software Important?
- Sharing. DBMS allows all members across a company to access and manage data.
- Security. Good Database Software improves data security and reduces the chances of breaches.
- Back-Up. Database Management Software eases backing up data from one location.
- Relations. It’s easier to organize it to prepare reliable data analysis and statistics for data transformations.
- Consistency: As DBMSs are capable of detecting and removing inconsistencies, everyone can have access to the same data
- Reliability. As DBMS centralizes info, you don't have to go through an entire database for specific information.
- Decision-Making: Database Software makes your data transparent and accessible for solid decision-making processes.
Conclusion
Database Software eases managing large data sets, making it an excellent tool for processing data to meet business requirements.
We hope this article has given you a helpful overview of tools of DBMS.
Pay attention to your specific needs, and go ahead and choose your DBMS to boost your data-driven operations!
