Choosing an open source database management system
Enterprise Considerations
If you plan to use your DBMS in an enterprise-grade capacity, you'll need to consider a few additional criteria.
First and foremost, you want to look for a solution that promises stability. Depending upon how you'll use the distribution, ACID-compliance is particularly important for stability. For all use cases, a proven track record, a planned release cycle, high quality documentation, and support forums can provide assurance regarding the DBMS's longevity and community involvement.
For enterprise-grade systems, high availability is particularly important. Look for solutions that offer redundant and fault-tolerant components at the same location. And in case of a high availability failure, you'll want a solution with a disaster recovery plan to get your system back up and running.
Finally, you may need to consider paying for additional extensions or add-ons that can make an open source DBMS enterprise-grade. Most of the DBMSs highlighted here offer an enterprise version. You may also need to consider paying for outside 24/7 support from a third-party vendor if you don't have the staffing resources in house.
Conclusion
An open source DBMS can offer many benefits over closed source alternatives. With the right considerations, you can use these open source solutions in enterprise environments. To find the best one for your organization, a close look at your present and future needs will help you narrow down the field.
This article was made possible by support from Percona LLC, through Linux New Media's Topic Subsidy Program (https://www.linuxnewmedia.com/Topic_Subsidy).
Infos
- MySQL: https://www.oracle.com/mysql/what-is-mysql/#:~:text=the%20SQL%20syntax.-,MySQL%20is%20open%20source,code%20to%20suit%20your%20needs
- Stack Overflow 2023 Developer Survey: https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2023/#section-most-popular-technologies-databases
- MySQL Community Edition: https://www.mysql.com/products/community/
- MariaDB: https://mariadb.com/products/community-server/
- MariaDB JSON functions: https://mariadb.com/kb/en/json-functions/
- PostgreSQL: https://www.postgresql.org/about/
- Firebird: https://firebirdsql.org/en/about-firebird/
- Firebird support: https://firebirdsql.org/en/mailing-lists/
- CUBRID: https://www.cubrid.org/cubrid
- Apache Cassandra: https://cassandra.apache.org/_/index.html
- MongoDB: https://www.mongodb.com/try/download/community
- JanusGraph: https://janusgraph.org
- Redis: https://redis.io/
- BSD 3 clause license: https://opensource.org/license/BSD-3-Clause
- CouchDB: https://couchdb.apache.org/#top
- CouchDB Replication Protocol: https://docs.couchdb.org/en/stable/replication/protocol.html
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Endless OS 6 has Arrived
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.