In the era of Digital Transformation, more and more companies are collecting and harnessing massive amounts of data.
As this data needs to be stored not only but also accessible and easy to use, Database Management Software has become the go-to solution.
In this article, we’ll define Database Software, how DBMS works, its features for business productivity, and a list of the best Database tools currently available.
What is Database Management Software?
Abbreviated as DBMS, Database Management Software enables the efficient creation and management of databases for both users and companies.
These further include creating, storing, retrieving, and updating data sources, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and security.
With DBMS, users can organize and structure data, define relationships between different data models, and perform complex queries to extract specific information.
In addition, DBMS offers backup and recovery, data replication, and access control to ensure data integrity and availability.
To define Database Software simply, we can depict them as a software that manages large amount of data for users, teams, and companies’ operations.
Database Management Software plays a vital role in modern businesses, where large data sets are a valuable asset that requires proper management and protection.
Database Management Software Functions
In terms of features, one of the most important functions of Database Management Software is to develop backups 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 focused on being a software that manages large amount of data, DBMS also ensures intuitive User Interfaces for users to work effortlessly with the data stored in the system.
Database Management Software Main Features
- Data Integrity: One of DBMS' most important features is data integrity, which ensures accurate and consistent data with no entry errors or duplicates.
- File Consistency: Database Management Software ensures data is consistent and up-to-date, protecting it from loss due to system crashes or hardware failures.
- Logical Structure: DBMS helps organize data logically and meaningfully, allowing users to define structures and relationships to store and retrieve data in a structured manner.
- Security Protocols: Database Software offers security protocols like authentication, encryption, and auditing to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or theft.
- Database Customization: This software allows users to customize databases by defining fields and relationships with custom reports and queries for data analysis and retrieval.
- Permanent Storage: DBMS software stores data permanently in the memory database so that historical data is always available for reporting and analysis purposes.
- Data-Based Reporting: Users can build and customize single database data-based reports, including financial reporting, inventory management, and sales analysis.
- Space and Cost Saving: Database Software helps to save storage money by reducing data duplication and redundancy so businesses can store more data in less space
- Small Redundancy: DBMS ensures minimal data redundancy, helping businesses avoid storing the same data in multiple places and avoid data inconsistencies.
- User-Defined Rules: With Database Management Software, users can define rules and constraints for data entry and storage, ensuring accurate and consistent data.
4 Main Types of Database Management Software
1. 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 these relationships besides the data itself and is 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), and 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 Software (DBMS)
There is a wide range of DBMS, but what is the best database tool? Side note: you need to use Application Programming Interfaces (API) 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 ($57 per month as of Jun. 22). Some clients include Toyota and Bosch.
2. PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is a free, object-relational, open-source tool for building complex database structures with over 30 years in business.
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 operating systems, including Linux, Solaris, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and FreeBSD.
3. Knack
Launched in 2010, Knack is an online database that allows structure, connection, and extension of data through a simple UI without coding.
Knack likewise offers mobile access, pre-created templates, and support for many languages.
With a 14-day free trial, Knack’s plans start at $39 monthly as of Jun. 22). Some clients include Spotify, Harvard University, and HP.
4. MySQL
An open-source relational Database Management Software, MySQL offers a business-oriented approach for increased database scalability and security.
With technical support and robust backup and recovery facilities, it's easy to learn and flexible to create custom databases and integrate with the Apache Web Engine.
As for June 2022, its prices range from $2,000 to $10,000, and clients include Booking.com, Dropbox, and GitHub.
5. Oracle
As a tool of DBMS, Oracle DBMS provides pluggable databases, secure data management, and smart suggestions with flexible, efficient, and cost-effective software.
Since it aims at established companies, costs depend on the business type and size, with Motorola Solutions, 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 Itau and the NBA, you can get its Express and Developer versions for free, and paid plans start at $209 (Jun. 22).
Why is Database Management Software Important?
- Data Sharing: DBMS allows all members across a company to access and manage data.
- Data Security: Good Database Software improves data security and reduces the chances of breaches. You can give users different access levels, with some of them only being able to read data and not changing it.
- Back-Up Data: Database Management Software eases backing up data from one location.
- Data Relations: With a software that manages large amount of data, it’s easier to organize it to prepare reliable data analysis and statistics for data transformations.
- Data Consistency: As DBMSs are capable of detecting and removing inconsistencies, everyone can have access to the same data
- Reliable Searches: As DBMS centralizes info, you don't have to go through an entire database for specific information, which saves time and increases productivity.
- Decision-Making: Database Software makes your data transparent and accessible so teams can develop higher-quality information 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!
