Choosing the right database software for your new or existing project can be a challenging and expensive process. Given the choice between using an open source or closed source database, most developers will choose the former. The decision not to use a third-party database instead of a proprietary system also plays a role in making this process more difficult.
If you are developing something that requires high levels of performance and scalability, there is absolutely no comparison between using third-party and open source solutions. Databases come in many shapes and sizes with regard to prices, privacy policies, and legal concerns. It is therefore almost impossible to predict which software will suit your needs best.
Fortunately, you do not need to make this choice – open source databases have their own inbuilt appeals that can help guide you in the right direction. If you are looking to grow your business or expand your horizons, there are plenty of opportunities available that cater specifically to small businesses looking to establish themselves internationally.
Moreover, if you already have an established business but want to grow it even faster, open source databases offer great potential savings as well as other benefits that are unavailable with commercial systems. These advantages should make choosing a particular database software package much easier!
What can be achieved with open source databases?
As the name implies, open source databases are open-source software. This means that the source code for the database software is available for all to see and allows for easy modification and updates. If you were to change a single line of source code, from start to finish, the open source database software would no longer be able to function properly.
Furthermore, if an attacker were to gain access to the source code, he or she would immediately be in a position to modify the software and thus, gain access to all the passwords, usernames, and other sensitive data held within. This security risk could not be present in a closed source system, as the source code is kept within the confines of a single organization.
Advantages of open source databases
No data security issues with open source databases – The source code of the database software is public, allowing any interested party to study the code and make suggestions and improvements. This is in contrast to closed-source software, where the source is kept within an organization and the code is often protected with encryption.
Open source databases do not suffer from the same level of trust issues present in closed-source databases – If you are using open source databases, you are taking full responsibility for the security of the data held within. This is in contrast to closed-source software, where you may not be aware of the level of security in place.
Key Differences between closed and open source database software
Cost – The biggest advantage of open source databases is their lower cost – The cost of developing with open source software is often 70% lower than that of closed-source software, making open source databases a perfect fit for smaller-scale projects.
User interface – The user interface of open source databases is often much friendlier than that of closed-source databases. This is because developers choose to focus on the features that are needed by end users, rather than developing an extremely user-friendly software.
Data integrity – The security of an open source database is often reflected in its data integrity. This means that, if an incident were to occur, all the data would be intact and can easily be recovered if necessary. Moreover, if a data integrity breach were to occur, the entire database could be recreated from scratch, allowing for a rapid investigation if necessary.
Risk Management with ease – In contrast to closed-source software, where the risk management is often left out, or done poorly, with open source databases there is almost no risk involved, as all security risks are baked into the system. Moreover, due to this security, risk management processes are often simplified and streamlined, making them easier to perform with open source databases.
Risk Management with ease
With open source databases, you can take a more proactive approach to risk management by creating an emergency response team. These teams are typically made up of developers who specialize in security issues, data integrity, and risk management. They are often responsible for automating tasks that would previously have been handled manually, such as scanning the code for security issues or validating data integrity.
If an incident were to occur and your data were to be compromised or stolen, you can then easily respond by creating a new database to store the new data or by using an open source tool such as a sandbox to isolate the flaw from the rest of the system. Real-time alerts can then be setup so that the team is immediately aware of any potential issues.
Conclusion
Choosing the right database software for your new or existing project can be a challenging and expensive process. Given the choice between using an open source or closed source database, most developers will choose the latter. The decision not to use a third-party database instead of a proprietary system also plays a role in making this process more difficult.
If you are developing something that requires high levels of performance and scalability, there is absolutely no comparison between using third-party and open source solutions.
Databases come in many shapes and sizes with regard to prices, privacy policies, and legal concerns. It is therefore almost impossible to predict which software will suit your needs best. Fortunately, you do not need to make this choice – open source databases have their own inbuilt appeals that can help guide you in the right direction.