Databases are organized collections of data that are stored and accessed through a computer. Database software is known as the database management system (DBMS)
The DBMS interacts with end-users, applications, and the database itself, capturing and analyzing data. The database software is responsible for administering the database. In general usage, the term "database" is used to refer to the database system software, as well as applications associated with the database.
Database software refers to any software designed for creating and managing the information stored in databases. These database management systems are database software tools used to store, modify, extract, and search for information contained within a database.
There are different types of database software. Generally, the type of DBMS software used depends on the method of storage (single or multifile) or the purpose of its use within a company or institution. Single file database software is also known as flat-file, while multifile database software is relational. The software used in both single and multifile databases is used to accommodate various storage needs.
A relational database management system (RDBMS) supports single and multifile options, while non-RDBMS software supports only single-file storage. A non-RDBMS software option is sufficient for managing small records, such as names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
DBMS software can also be classified according to the purpose of its use. This classification system may include operational databases, external databases, end-user databases, distributed databases, data warehouse databases, analytical databases, and hypermedia databases.
An operational database is also known as an online transaction processing (OLTP) database. Used to manage dynamic data in real-time, this type of database software allows for the addition, deletion, and modification of data in the database, and is often used in customer relationship management transactions and financial operations. This type of database allows users to gather, enter, and retrieve large amounts of data, which might include legal notices, financial data, personal employee information, call logs, and so on.
External databases are used to manage information gathered for use by multiple individuals or organizations, either by subscription or for free. This type of database is accessed online by users who access privately-owned data. The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is an example of this type of database.
End user databases are used to store data created by an end-user. These include the databases created by word processing and spreadsheet applications.
In a distributed database, the software is distributed at various geographical locations. Under the control of one central DBMS, the storage devices of the distributed database are connected to different CPUs. This type of database can reside on a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or on various network servers or extranets.
A data warehouse database contains a collection of information extracted from various other databases, and stored in one place. Data warehouses are usually used for reporting purposes, and for drawing insights.
Analytical databases are used to store data from other databases for data analysis. The data in an analytical database software can be edited, filtered, and used by analysts of a business or organization, and are often used for the analysis of employee or organizational performance.
Hypermedia database software is used to store multimedia web pages. Data is stored online and can be accessed by multiple users at the same time.
There are several database software programs. Some of the better-known programs are ADABAS, IBM DB2, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle RDBMS, Quick Base, SAP Sybase ASE, and Teradata.
Databases may reside on a desktop hard drive, be web-enabled, or installed on a server. Desktop databases are the smallest and least expensive. Web-enabled databases include a desktop application and web integration. Server-based systems are the largest and most expensive, but designed to accommodate multiple users.
The focus of this category is on database software and closely related resources.
Recommended Resources
Created in 1984, 4D is headquartered in France, with locations in Germany, Japan, Australia, Morocco, and the United States, and distributors in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, and Switzerland. 4D is a relational database system and IDE, with an integrated compiler, with productivity plugins and interfaces, supporting macOS and Windows natively, creating applications that can be run on a desktop or mobile clients, as well as on the web.
https://us.4d.com/
Analysis Console for Intrusion Databases
ACID is a PHP-based analysis engine used to search and process a database of security events generated by various integrated delivery systems, firewalls, and network monitoring tools. Its features include a query-builder and search interface, packet viewer, alert management, and chart and statistics generation. Installation and configuration instructions and documentation are put forth, and it’s available for download under the General Public License.
http://acidlab.sourceforge.net/
Available under the GNU General Public License, CitrusDB is an open-source customer service and billing software that includes features to handle Internet service, subscriptions, consulting, and telecommunications, and posing no limits on the number of users or customers, or on service types or attributes. The latest stable release is available for download, and a software manual, demo video, screenshots, and an overview of its support options are put forth.
http://citrusdb.org/
Produced by MKF Solutions, DataBase Oasis provides database software solutions without coding requirements, allowing users to create databases through point-and-click technology, either from scratch or using predesigned templates. Available in Basic and Professional editions, a feature comparison chart is included, along with a gallery of templates, client testimonials, installation and upgrade instructions, user manuals, a quick-start guide, and a product walkthrough.
http://databaseoasis.com/
Founded in 2008, Dobler Consulting is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and it specializes in assisting clients with their Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Azure, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Hadoop, and SAP Sybase database technologies and applications. Its database services include consulting, database assessments and managed services, business intelligence, and product resale and license management, as well as XpressInsight, a framework-as-a-service (FaaS) tool.
https://www.doblerconsulting.com/
Greenstone Digital Library Software
Produced by the New Zealand Digital Library Project at the University of Waikato, and distributed with the assistance of UNESCO and the Human Info NGO, Greenstone is open-source, multilingual software, available under the terms of the GNU General Public License. The software suite is designed for building and distributing digital library collections that can be published on the web or on removable media such as DVD and USB flash. Examples are offered.
http://www.greenstone.org/
Designed to be a free and online alternative to MS Access and Filemaker Pro, Grubba is a database for home and office, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as in-home inventory lists, address books, cataloging collections, phone directories, notebooks, to-do lists, recipes, shopping or grocery lists, client management, product database, inventory lists, archiving, and customer service databases. Based in the Netherlands, its site is available in English, Dutch, Spanish, and German.
https://www.grubba.net/
HIDAM is a free, generic hierarchical data manager capable of editing XML files. Available under the GNU General Public License, it supports Windows and Linux platforms, and future versions are intended to support a plugin architecture, database storage, and extensibility through scripting. The application is available through SourceForge, including the source code, executable, and installer. Development notes, instructions, and a screenshot are available.
http://hidam.sourceforge.net/
iBase Professional Digital Asset Management Software
With a client base in Europe, America, and Australasia, iBase works in both the public and private sectors, including art galleries, museums, universities, libraries, local councils, charities, commercial photo, and video libraries, marketing companies, research organizations, architects, pharmaceutical companies, and others, offering digital asset management software. Its features are highlighted here, comparisons of its three opening plan and two monthly subscription plans.
https://www.ibase.com/
Db2 is a family of data management products from IBM Corporation. Originally supporting the relational model of database technology, they have been extended to support object-relational features and non-relational structures like JSON and XML. The family of products has previously been known as DB/2 and DB2. Its history, an overview of its features and requirements, and information about future developments are included, along with the products within the family.
https://www.ibm.com/analytics/db2
Licensed under the GNU General Public License, JReferences was designed to store and retrieve bibliographic references from a file or MySQL database, reading BibTeXML, DocBook XML, and RIS type references, and is able to output these and BibTex. Available for download on SourceForge, along with the source code, which also states its requirements, installation instructions, examples, and other documentation. Project trackers and support options are listed.
http://jreferences.sourceforge.net/
Knack is a software tool that is used to build custom applications that manage, share, and empower data without coding. Through Knack, data can be transformed into data-driven applications that can be accessed from any device, with permissions that can be set to define who gets access to the data and to set limitations to what can be accessed. Its features are defined, a gallery of templates may be viewed, and its monthly pricing plans are compared, side-by-side.
https://www.knack.com/
Kohezion is a no-code, application development platform that can be used by citizen developers and business power users, who can build intuitive, yet powerful relational databases using drag-and-drop tools, promising security, reliability, and customizability. Available as a free two-week trial edition, as well as a standard edition, for a monthly fee, and a turnkey solution, in which Kohezion staff builds the database for a one-time payment. Client testimonials are stated.
https://www.kohezion.com/
Koha is an open-source integrated library system (ILS) used by public, school, and private libraries. LibLime Koha is a version of the ILS that was implemented in 1999 and has been adopted by thousands of libraries around the world. An overview of the web-based ILS is presented, along with a list of the features that it offers to libraries, release notes, customization options, and a reference manual, hosting, support, and implementation resources, and a download page.
http://www.koha.org/
Originally released in 2009, MongoDB is a cross-platform document-oriented, distributed database program that was created as a NoSQL database program and uses JSON-like documents with schema. Licensed under the Server Side Public License, its features are highlighted, and a list of companies using MongoDB is included. The site includes MongoDB University, which offers training in the use of MongoDB, including Developer and DBA certification.
https://www.mongodb.com/
Currently developed by Oracle, MySQL was first released in 1995. The open-source relational database management system is freely available under the terms of the GNU General Public License and a variety of proprietary licenses. Used in several database-driven web applications, such as Drupal, Joomla, phpBB, and WordPress, it is also used by other interactive sites, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Its free Community edition and several proprietary options are featured.
https://www.mysql.com/
Designed for provide developing countries with a tool to assist in managing natural resources, NRDB is a free, open-source database and mapping application for developing and distributing environmental databases. Supporting Microsoft Windows applications, it is available under the terms of the GNU General Public License and may be downloaded from the site, along with RasterAnalyser, which calculates intersect areas from GIS vector files, along with NRDB Pro.
http://nrdbpro.sourceforge.net/
Hosted on SourceForge, OpenBiblio is a free and open-source automated library system written in PHP, containing OPAC, circulation, cataloging, and staff administration functionality. It may be downloaded from the site under the terms of the GNU General Public License. Development notes, documentation, an issue tracker, patches, and customization options are included, along with a community support forum, and information and links to community-supported extensions and modifications.
http://obiblio.sourceforge.net/
Oracle is a US-based technology company known for its database software and technology, cloud-engineered systems, and enterprise software products, and especially its own brands of database management systems. Although new technologies may develop, its cloud database is self-driving, self-securing, self-repairing, and designed to eliminate error-prone manual data management. An overview of its database technologies is given, and an A-Z product list if included.
https://www.oracle.com/database/
Also known as Postgres Explorer, PG Explorer is a full-featured GUI Postgres development tool that includes a tree view of databases, and database objects, the ability to reverse engineer SQL statements from database objects, modify the SQL and execute it. Wizards are used to generate SQL for various objects and statements. Designed to serve as a replacement for Oracle Postgres, its benefits and features are posted, along with screenshots, and a download page.
http://www.pgexplorer.com/
Developed in 1998, phpMyAdmin is a free and open-source administration tool for MySQL and MariaDB, particularly for web hosting services. Available under the terms of the GNU General Public License, phpMyAdmin can be downloaded from the site, which includes a list of its features, development notes, sponsorship opportunities, and a demo. A synopsis of a book written by one of the developers is featured, with a link to the purchase page. Donations may be made through the site.
https://www.phpmyadmin.net/
Designed at the University of California at Berkeley in 1996, PostgreSQL is currently developed by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group. Also known as Postgres, PostgreSQL is a free and open-source relational database management system that emphasizes extensibility and technical standards compliance. It is the default database for macOS Server and is also available for Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Windows platforms. Documentation and a community forum are available.
https://www.postgresql.org/
Headquartered in Maryland, PRS Technologies offers Thomson Reuters Elite Enterprise server installation and configuration, application development, database administration, and tuning, along with a full range of support and consulting services, on-site technical assistance, training, and telephone support, particularly for legal and accounting organizations. A list of client programs for use with Thomson Reuters Elite is posted, with other resources, source code, and references.
http://www.prstech.com/
Licensed under the GNU General Public Licensed, Pybliographer is a free and open-source tool for managing bibliographic databases, offering a user-friendly Gnome interface for editing, searching, and inserting citations in LyX, Kile, and OpenOffice, as well as searching external databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Citeseer, and others. APIs help to integrate these features into custom applications, using individual database schema. Instructions, screenshots, and user documentation are posted.
https://pybliographer.org/
Designed by Daniel Hladek, qSong is a song database program with multimedia features for worship musicians and others involved in working with music, allowing users to store and manage song-related information like chords, lyrics, authors, and copyright, as well as to create songbooks in PDF, HTML, and ChordPro. Database features are listed, and downloads are available for the Windows and Linux platforms. The project status is put forth, along with support options.
http://qsong.sourceforge.net/
RefDB is a reference database and bibliography tool for SGML, XML, and LaTeX/BibTeX documents, allowing users to share databases over a network. Accessible through command-line tools, a web interface, or text editors, it contains an SRU server. Released under the GNU General Public License, RefDB runs on BSD, Linux, OS X, Solaris, and Windows platforms. Development notes, examples, and user documentation are published to the site, along with a download page.
http://refdb.sourceforge.net/
Serving as a hub for the SQL Server community, the site allows members to interact with their peers, access relevant information that they need to do their jobs, and submit or read educational articles and other content related to SQL. Featured are links to articles and resources throughout the Internet, discussion forums on specific issues, sample scripts, book reviews, blogs, a question of the day, and a daily newsletter. Authors and contributors are acknowledged.
https://www.sqlservercentral.com/
Offered by AlfaAlfa Software Corporation, the SQL Server Comparison Tool is licensed on a per-user basis, but also offers an enterprise edition that will support unlimited users. The source code may also be purchased. The tool allows users to analyze, compare, and document the structure of tables, procedures, functions, views, triggers, and relationships, comparing data stored in tables, generating detailed reports displaying results of comparisons or analysis.
http://www.sql-server-tool.com/
A division of 1105 Media, TDWI offers coverage of data-related topics, including business intelligence, data warehousing, big data, and advanced analytics, as well as conducting full-day or half-day courses, Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) credentials, and a library of online courses created by industry experts. TDWI membership is for analytics and data management professionals throughout the world who need access to research, tools, training, and connections.
https://tdwi.org/
Supporting the Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms, Tulip is available under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License. Written in C++, Tulip is an information visualization framework dedicated to the analysis and visualization of relational data, providing the user-developer with a complete library, including algorithms, visual encodings, interaction techniques, data models, and domain-specific visualizations. Its features, projects, and tutorials are included.
https://tulip.labri.fr/
Offering database performance monitoring for engineering teams, VividCortex helps to increase system performance, team efficiency, and cost savings by offering visibility into several open-source databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, AWS Aurora, MongoDB, and Redis. Available through a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform with a web-based interface, VividCortex monitors databases in any cloud, offering multiple ways to protect sensitive data, GDPR, and SOC2 compliant.
https://www.vividcortex.com/
