Database Management Software

What is Database Management Software?

A database management system is a software program that helps retrieve and manipulate the data from a database. People often confuse a database management system, usually called DBMS, with a database. While a database mainly stores related data, DBMS is the tool that makes the stored data in a database accessible to its various users and applications. In other words, DBMS serves as a middle man between the application and the database.

With the help of a DBMS, the applications can access, store, create, delete, and modify the stored data in a database. DBMS also plays a vital role in maintaining the security, integrity, and consistency of the data.

Types of Database Management Systems

A small business with minimum database needs can manage by using standard office tools like a spreadsheet. However, a big data-driven business organization needs a DBMS to handle the complexities of data management.

There are many types of DBMS available today that cater to the various requirements of the businesses. Out of all these, RDBMS and Semi-structured DBMS are the two popular types in the market.

Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)

A Relational database management system is developed specifically for relational databases that store data in the form of rows and columns of a table. The data within a relational database are related, and this makes accessing data very efficient. RDBMS uses Structured Query Language (SQL) for accessing data from a relational database. These queries are simple but very efficient in accessing data from more than one table at a time in a database.

Semi-structured Database Management Systems

Semi-structured DBMS offers a more flexible way of structuring the data and is entirely driven by its purpose. In this pattern, tags and markers help in defining the categories and attributes of the data. RDBMS, on the other hand, is very rigid in structuring its data.

Semi-structured database management systems are most popular among internet-based applications. They enable applications to quickly analyze and consume data safely and securely without any loss of information.

Apart from the above types, there is another category of DBMS called "Prerelational-era DBMS." It is an old type of DBMS, which is no longer used by the application developers.

What is Database Software?

All organizations store their data in a database. Applications use database software for efficient retrieval and manipulation of the data. There are many kinds of databases available today in the market. The following are some of the popular databases:

• Relational databases: This was the most prominent type of database in the '80s. Many applications still use this database. Data in a relational database is in the form of tables, in other words, in the form of rows and columns. Each database can contain multiple tables that can contain related data. SQL or structured query language can efficiently retrieve data across many tables.

• Document databases: Document databases are also known as NoSQL databases. These store data in the form of a document. This kind of database makes it easy for a developer to access and manipulate data according to an application's needs. These are best suited for content management applications. It can accommodate a change in the data structure without any changes to schema or database downtime.

• Graph databases: A graph database provides all of the database functions working on a graph data model. The relationship between the different data objects is vital to a graph database.

• Object-oriented databases: In object-oriented databases, the data is represented in an object's form as used in object-oriented programming. This database provides persistent storage of objects, which can be very useful for object-oriented programming.

Uses of Database Software

Databases provide a very efficient way of storing data securely. The kind of database to choose largely depends on the business requirements of an organization. A business can benefit a lot by analyzing the stored data in the database for making critical decisions for its growth and expansion. Some databases can scale up efficiently as the data storage requirements of an organization increases. In contrast, others are easy to query and access data at great speed. So the business requirements will determine the right database software for an organization. The following are some of the ways an organization can benefit from a database:

• A business application's functionality can be improved multi-fold through database integration and providing real-time data to the customers.

• Data storage is just one of the basic functionalities of a database. A database can help in analytics, search engines, data warehousing, online shopping, data mining, payroll, inventory management, and Geographical Information Systems.

• Generally, organizations store all their data at a centralized location in a database that becomes the primary source for their data queries. This method of storing data helps businesses access real-time data, which is very vital for critical transactions.

Advantages of Database Management Systems (DBMS)

DBMS provides several benefits, some of which listed below:

• Reduces data redundancy: DBMS ensures there is no duplicate data in the database, reducing data inconsistencies.

• Data Sharing: The various levels of authorization for data access, defined at the database level, controls the data access in an organization with minimum effort. This kind of control is crucial for sensitive data access.

• Data Integrity: DBMS maintains data integrity by providing accurate data across the database to the user.

• Data Security: When multiple users access data, there are chances for data breaches and data loss. DBMS provides a framework to enforce data security and privacy policies with features like dual authentication and data encryption.

• Backup and recovery: DBMS takes care of all the backup and recovery of the data.

• Increased Productivity: Quick availability of data combined with the tools to transform it into usable information helps the users to make informed decisions that can help in the growth of a business.

Pricing

Getting concrete pricing information for DBMS can be tricky as the price depends on its features. The businesses choose an appropriate model to suit their needs. So, the price changes from business to business, and there is no general pricing available. In general, DBMS, as with any other software, will have the following pricing models:

Pay-Per-User subscription model: In this model, the customer (or business) takes a monthly or yearly subscription, which allows the software access to a certain number of Users. Generally, there will be different subscription packages with different features of the software.

One-time license: In this model, the customers pay a flat fee upfront or in installments for a license subscription. The customer will have access to the software for perpetuity in this case.

Latest Trends in DBMS

The following are some of the trends to keep an eye on in the ever-changing market of DBMS:

• Cloud Data Storage: Many organizations are moving data storage towards a cloud-based subscription model to minimize capital expenditures. Cloud storage will provide flexibility and scalability of data storage along with the reduction of the maintenance costs.

• Big Data: The ability to process all kinds of disparate data, both structured and unstructured.

• Open Source DBMS: Open source provides the flexibility to create software that can have unique features to a business. Many organizations with the resources and bandwidth are going for the open-source DBMS as it is both free and flexible.