It’s great to get something for free…especially if that something is good. But this ‘free’ comes with a cost most often. Fortunately, we also live in a world full of open source technologies that haven’t failed to keep businesses on budget. You can find open source development services pretty much everywhere. But what sustains them is a plethora of free open source solutions.
Here are 5 of the most popular database software and open source DBM solutions that makes it worthwhile for businesses.
1. CUBRID
CUBRID is a free open source option that can be implemented in C, and specifically useful for web applications that process large amounts of data and generate just as many concurrent requests.
Key features include multiple granularity locking and auto-failover feature with 24/7 online web service. CUBRID also comes with a number of tools and drivers for PHP, Python, Perl, Ruby, and JDBC. It also supports native DB sharding for scalability.
However, it is not compatible with Apple systems and also lacks script debugger.
2. MongoDB
Since its inception in 2007, MongoDB is probably the most popular open source solution at present with over 1000 partners backing it up. The document-oriented program uses JSON-like documents, and can be used to develop innovative, robust applications.
Key features include scalability, encrypted storage engine and document validation. MongoDB also reduces the time between primary failure and recovery, and can handle instantaneous queries over large data.
However, applications that require complex transactions doesn’t fit well with the program. There are no drop-in replacements for legacy applications either.
3. MySQL
It has been around since 1995, and comes as both free and paid versions. One of its biggest advantages is its compatibility with almost every popular operating system out there. Language is not a barrier for MySQL users, as the server can display error messages to clients in many languages.
Other advantages of MySQL include host-based verification, flexible privilege and password system, security encryption, support for JSON objects etc. It can be used even without a network. In client/server networks, it provides server as a separate program.
As Oracle now owns MySQL, it’s not community-driven anymore. It’s also known to get updates much slower than other similar systems.
4. SQLite
SQLite came out in 2000, and now claims to be one of the most widely deployed database in the world, affirmed by the fact that tech giants like Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft use this.
Key advantages include cross-platform file format, ACID compliant transactions, and a compact library.
However, it’s not a good option for client/server applications, high volume websites, and large datasets.
5. Firebird
A relational database that’s been around since the 1980s, Firebird features a number of ANSI SQL standards. It can run on multiple popular operating systems including Windows, Linux, and a few UNIX platforms.
Its major advantages include Trace API for real-time monitoring, option to clean database, and free support through its large global community. Firebird supports SuperClassic, Classic, SuperServer, and Embedded architectures.
The cons include a lack of temporary tables and integration with other database systems, and integrated replication support.
