Database management system (DBMS) software and technology
Top Stories
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Answer
27 Jun 2022
DBMS keys: 8 types of keys defined
Here's a guide to primary, super, foreign and candidate keys, what they're used for in relational database management systems and the differences among them. Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2022
ScyllaDB 5.0 set to advance NoSQL database capabilities
At Scylla Summit 2022, the open source NoSQL database vendor introduced upcoming services including a DBaaS as well as a new platform release, and a user outlined its application. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2019
MemSQL 7.0 set to advance both row and column data stores
As MemSQL pushes into the cloud with its Helios service, the vendor is also pushing the boundaries of traditional row and column data stores with its SingleStore technology approach. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2019
Couchbase Server 6.5 improves NoSQL database queries
Now available in beta, the Couchbase Server 6.5 update brings distributed ACID transactions and query optimizations to the open source NoSQL database platform. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
01 Oct 2019
Oracle OpenWorld 2019 coverage: Oracle seeks loftier cloud perch
This guide covers technology developments and other news from the Oracle OpenWorld 2019 conference, plus key trends for Oracle cloud, database and application users. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2019
Cloud database services multiply to ease admin work by users
The list of vendors offering managed cloud database services is growing rapidly, which gives IT teams more opportunities to offload management of database systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2019
Database management tools from third parties make natives restless
Third-party database performance tools offer attractive alternatives to management software from DBMS vendors, provided their capabilities include orchestration, governance and integration. Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2019
TigerGraph Cloud releases graph database as a service
TigerGraph, a graph database vendor, now offers a native cloud database-as-a-service product with its newest release. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2019
Weighing the use of third-party database administration tools
Database expert Chris Foot details the key reasons why DBAs should consider using third-party database administration to fill gaps left by the major database manufacturers. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2019
InfluxDB Cloud 2.0 expands open source time series database
While the core open source InfluxDB 2.0 project is still in alpha, InfluxData has advanced its cloud service to support new features as it grows its time series database service. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2019
New cloud and on-premises options for Oracle Autonomous Database
Oracle introduced new cloud and on-premises deployment options for its namesake database and automated cloud service as Oracle OpenWorld 2019 got underway. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2019
Amazon Quantum Ledger Database brings immutable transactions
Based on technology built internally at Amazon, the tech giant's newest database provides a centralized approach for enabling a cryptographically secure ledger system. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2019
How to manage Oracle database upgrades and annual releases
Oracle consultants offer tips and advice on upgrading databases, including new considerations created by the annual release schedule that Oracle is now following. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2019
ArangoDB 3.5 update improves multi-model database platform
ArangoDB 3.5 accelerates its database platform with improved query performance and enhanced data security capabilities, as market demand for multi-model platforms builds. Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2019
AWS Lake Formation goes GA, as cloud data lake market grows
First released in late 2018, AWS Lake Formation is now generally available and it could be the force that helps to accelerate adoption in the cloud data lake market. Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2019
Apollo data graph brings managed federation to enterprises
The new Apollo update is intended to enable organizations to federate multiple enterprise data sets more easily and use APIs to tap into disparate data sources. Continue Reading
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News
06 Aug 2019
HPE buys MapR assets to fuel AI applications
Longtime independent big data vendor MapR goes out of business, selling technology and intellectual property to HPE. The move marks the continuing decline of the Hadoop market. Continue Reading
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News
01 Aug 2019
Startup Dgraph Labs growing graph database technology
Dgraph Labs looks expand its graph database platform, which offers the promise of reducing isolated data sources and speeding up queries. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jul 2019
Oracle LEFT JOIN vs. LEFT OUTER JOIN: What's the difference?
Get an explanation of the different types of Oracle joins, including whether there's really a difference between the LEFT JOIN and LEFT OUTER JOIN syntax in PL/SQL. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2019
SQL Server database design best practices and tips for DBAs
Good database design is a must to meet processing needs in SQL Server systems. In a webinar, consultant Koen Verbeeck offered advice on how to make that happen. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jul 2019
SQL Server in Azure database choices and what they offer users
SQL Server databases can be moved to the Azure cloud in several different ways. Here's what you'll get from each of the options for migrating SQL Server to Azure. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2019
10 cloud database migration mistakes to avoid
Database expert Chris Foot lists the top 10 oversights IT teams commonly make when undertaking a cloud database migration and offers tips on how to avoid them. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jul 2019
Snowflake product VP expounds on data warehouse for the cloud
In this Q&A, Christian Kleinerman, vice president of product development at cloud data warehouse vendor Snowflake, talks about the fast-moving company's plans for the next year. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2019
PostgreSQL database specialist EnterpriseDB gets new backing
EnterpriseDB is looking to push its database further with help from new financial backers. The deal sees Postgres originator Michael Stonebraker coming onboard as technical adviser. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2019
Key features to create a SQL Server audit trail in databases
SQL Server offers a set of built-in auditing tools that can help make the process of tracking logins and other database activities easier for database administrators. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2019
Check SQL Server Query Store performance impact before using
Many IT teams hesitate to use SQL Server Query Store due to performance concerns. Consultant Andy Warren offers tips on how to test and get started with Query Store. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2019
Microsoft expands Azure cloud database options
A raft of expansions across Microsoft's Azure cloud database tier adds capabilities that target high-end workloads and shops that prefer open source options. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2019
ProvenDB brings blockchain applications to world of MongoDB
Blockchain is intriguing technology, but carries with it high system overhead. ProvenDB adds blockchain to MongoDB in an effort to gain acceptable performance. Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2019
MongoDB buys Realm database to boost mobile chops
MongoDB is buying Realm, the maker of an open source database for cross-platform mobile applications, to boost its Atlas cloud platform and Stitch backend as a service. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2019
Google Cloud Spanner overview: 4 features to consider
Cloud Spanner's ability to offer data consistency and horizontal scalability has helped the relational database service gain traction. Learn more about its architecture. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Mar 2019
Oracle 19c database software promises stability, compatibility
Oracle Database 19c offers automatic indexing and support for external data partitions but carries upgrade issues like apps certification and index creation agreement. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2019
First take on Oracle 19c: 6 useful enhancements for DBAs
Database administrator Brian Peasland lists some of the new and updated features coming in Oracle Database 19c that he thinks will be beneficial to Oracle users. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2019
MongoDB security head addresses database exposures
Davi Ottenheimer, MongoDB's head of product security, discusses his company's efforts to prevent accidental database exposures and why so many misconfigurations occur. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Feb 2019
5 trends for SQL Server environments as SQL Server 2019 looms
SQL Server is undergoing new changes, as Microsoft prepares to release the 2019 version of the database software. Other changes are also on tap for SQL Server users. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2019
Future of Oracle centers on the cloud, AI and automation
Oracle deepened its embrace of cloud computing, AI software and IT automation tools in 2018. What can users expect from it in 2019? More of the same, most likely. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2019
5 data management infrastructure technologies to evaluate
It's the start of a new year -- is your organization ready to face the data management challenges ahead? Here are five technologies to consider adopting. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2019
Advantages of graph databases: Easier data modeling, analytics
Graph databases are finding a place in analytics applications at organizations that need to be able to map and understand the connections in large and varied data sets. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2019
New Teradata CEO pursues cloud-based architecture
Cloud architecture, analytics and AI data processing are top innovation priorities for new Teradata CEO Oliver Ratzesberger. He talks about his goals in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jan 2019
database automation
Database automation is the use of unattended processes and self-updating procedures for administrative tasks in a database. Continue Reading
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News
28 Dec 2018
Data management trends for 2019: Governance, DataOps, cloud
Better data governance, increased cloud use and wider DataOps adoption head the list of trends for data management teams to plan for in 2019, IT analysts say. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Dec 2018
Key new features coming in Oracle Database 19c
With Oracle Database 19c, Oracle is aiming to boost the stability of its flagship software's latest generation. But 19c also offers DBAs a variety of added features. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2018
SQL Server 2019 improves Linux, container support
The SQL Server 2019 release includes new big data integration features, a collection of database engine enhancements and improved Linux and container support. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2018
Why to give third-party Oracle database monitoring tools a try
Oracle DBAs can use features in Oracle Enterprise Manager under database licenses. But third-party tools may aid efforts to monitor and tune database performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2018
FaunaDB distributed cloud database hunts transactional NoSQL
Startup Fauna has built a "relational NoSQL" database for distributed transaction processing. Data consistency and speedy builds attracted early user ShiftX. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2018
Amazon Timestream, QLDB aim to grab more DBMS users for AWS
Built-for-purpose databases target general ones, especially in the cloud. At re:Invent 2018, AWS added time-series and transaction ledger databases to expand its line. Continue Reading
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Podcast
27 Nov 2018
Microsoft Azure SQL Database and Oracle 19c start to rev
A new Microsoft Azure SQL Database Managed Instance service seeks to span the gap between cloud and on-premises systems. Meanwhile, Oracle also has cloud plans of the data kind. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Nov 2018
Azure Data Studio (formerly SQL Operations Studio)
Azure Data Studio is a Microsoft tool, originally named SQL Operations Studio, for managing SQL Server databases and cloud-based Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Data Warehouse systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2018
The most useful new features in Microsoft SQL Server 2019
SQL Server 2019 includes welcome new features, particularly updates to its indexing and high availability capabilities and added SQL Server on Linux functionality. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
30 Oct 2018
Oracle OpenWorld 2018 news, trends and analysis
At its OpenWorld 2018 conference, Oracle tried to position its cloud platform as well-suited for enterprise uses. This guide compiles coverage of key developments from the event. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2018
Users look to Oracle Autonomous Database to lighten IT load
Early users are kicking the tires of Autonomous Database, attracted by Oracle's pledge that the cloud technology will automate database administration chores. Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2018
Updated Oracle Gen 2 Cloud aims to challenge cloud leaders
With enhancements to its Autonomous Database technology and cloud infrastructure security services, Oracle is trying to gain ground on Amazon and other cloud rivals. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2018
6 best practices on Oracle performance monitoring and tuning
Database administrators need to effectively manage Oracle Database performance to ensure an efficient processing workflow. Let this checklist be your guide. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Oct 2018
What Oracle performance tuning tools can and can't do for DBAs
Two Oracle experts discuss the tuning and monitoring capabilities of database performance management tools -- and the ongoing role that DBAs play in the process. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2018
MarkLogic Data Hub Service aims to ease cloud use of NoSQL DBMS
MarkLogic rolled out a cloud-service version of its NoSQL database management system, a move designed to make the technology more cost-effective for cloud users. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2018
Open source RDBMS uses spurred by lower costs, cloud options
Open source technologies have become more capable alternatives to mainstream relational databases for cost-conscious users -- and the cloud makes them more accessible. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2018
2 ways to attach SQL Server database files to Linux containers
SQL Server files can be stored outside of Docker containers in host directories or volumes. Here's how to set up SQL Server on Linux databases and attach them to containers. Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2018
Oracle Autonomous Database Cloud gets transaction processing
Oracle launched a transaction processing version of Autonomous Database, a cloud-based platform that automates configuration and management of Oracle databases. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2018
Open source DBMS software gains foothold in enterprise IT
Open source databases are increasingly making their way into corporate IT environments, says Gartner analyst Merv Adrian in a Q&A. But some care is required. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2018
How graph data modeling can help evaluate database tools
Mapping data to a graph model can be challenging, but these steps can help you create prototype applications -- which then can aid in evaluating graph databases. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jul 2018
eHarmony hooks up with Redis NoSQL database for hot storage
The Redis key-value store finds use in a system to match would-be romantic partners on dating site eHarmony, which employs a variety of NoSQL databases to make love click online. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2018
When to choose an S3 big data environment over HDFS storage
Selecting a storage service for big data in the cloud can be challenging. Expert David Loshin explains usage patterns that could lead organizations to Amazon Simple Storage Service. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2018
The benefits of columnar storage and the Parquet file format
What's behind Apache Parquet's growing popularity? It may be the file format's columnar storage orientation, which leads to benefits including improved query performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2018
How Oracle DBA responsibilities change with Autonomous Database
Oracle's Autonomous Database automates basic tasks of database administrators. That may put some DBA jobs at risk, but many will shift to higher-level duties. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2018
MongoDB 4.0, Stitch aim to grow NoSQL apps in cloud, on-prem
NoSQL vendor MongoDB upgraded its database software with ACID support, while also releasing a serverless platform intended to simplify application development. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 May 2018
GPU databases bring greater parallelism to big data processing
GPU databases offer a new way to process data. 451 Research analyst James Curtis discusses where they fit in big data applications, particularly for parallel processing. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2018
Oracle 18c features give DBAs incremental database capabilities
Oracle Database 18c is really another version of 12c Release 2 with a different name. It doesn't contain major new features, but it does expand functionality in various areas. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Apr 2018
What the Microsoft GDPR compliance toolkit offers for SQL Server
The set of GDPR compliance tools that Microsoft offers for SQL Server is designed to make it easier for users of the database software to adhere to the EU's new data rules. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2018
Oracle Autonomous Database debut heralds new cloud hopes
It wasn't the first in the cloud computing space, but Oracle is all in now. Key to the effort is a new Autonomous Database service, initially available for data warehousing uses. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2018
Streaming tool from StreamSets eyes data in motion for GDPR
StreamSets software for inspecting big data brings governance to data in motion. Such capabilities may find more use as the European Union's GDPR deadline looms. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2018
Oracle sees Autonomous Database changing DBA roles for the good
The job duties of database administrators will likely change in organizations that use Oracle Autonomous Database Cloud, but in ways that are beneficial, according to Oracle. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2018
How to use Oracle DBSAT to do a database security assessment
The Oracle Database Security Assessment Tool is free software that checks the security of databases. Here are the steps involved in using DBSAT to collect data and create reports. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2018
MongoDB 4.0 takes ACID transactions to multi-document level
MongoDB is taking a deeper step into SQL-style processing waters with a 4.0 update that brings increased support for ACID-compliant transactions to its NoSQL database. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2018
Data analytics architecture must break down higher ed silos
Siloed data isn't only a problem for businesses. It's also a big issue for many large universities -- one that their data infrastructures need to resolve for effective analytics. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2018
Data catalog software takes open data initiative to the streets
Data catalog software from Alation helped San Diego's chief data officer open up the city's data to residents, as well as city planners and other government workers. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jan 2018
MariaDB
MariaDB is an open source relational database management system (DBMS) that is a compatible drop-in replacement for the widely used MySQL database technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2017
Using Oracle 12c Unified Auditing to set database audit policies
Oracle Database 12c's built-in Unified Auditing feature streamlines the database auditing process, including creation and implementation of audit policies. Here's how that works. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2017
NewSQL databases rise anew -- MemSQL, Spanner among contenders
The NewSQL database was almost hidden when Hadoop and NoSQL arose. Now, as more big data teams move toward production uses, MemSQL, Cloud Spanner and similar products may get a second look. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2017
Bank sees ETL processes evolve from IT to front-line users
ETL jobs -- once the sole province of IT -- take on a new form as data wrangling and self-service gain greater traction with business users of analytics. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2017
MySQL Community Server vs. Oracle MySQL databases
With various open source and commercial options available from Oracle, selecting a MySQL database can be confusing. Here's a comparison to help you decide which one makes sense for you. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 May 2017
Microsoft Visual FoxPro (Microsoft VFP)
Microsoft Visual FoxPro (VFP) is an object-oriented programming environment with a built-in relational database engine. Continue Reading
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Buyer's Guide
13 Feb 2017
How to select the best DBMS software: A buyer's guide
Learn how to evaluate and buy the best DBMS software for your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Feb 2017
A look at the leading operational database management systems
The market for operational DBMS products can be confusing, especially with so many choices. But knowing your application requirements can help point you in the right direction. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2016
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 relational DBMS overview
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 for Windows comes in four editions, with updates that include a new stretch database feature, Polybase, dynamic data masking and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2016
Exploring the features of Oracle Enterprise Manager 13c
Cloud Control, a feature of Oracle Enterprise Manager 13c, can be used to monitor and manage databases, middleware, infrastructure and hardware running on-premises or in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jul 2016
Inside BMC's database performance tools for DB2 for z/OS
BMC offers several tools to help DBAs manage and prevent critical performance issues in DB2 for z/OS, as well as monitoring options for other vital mainframe subsystems. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2016
Examining the functions and features of database performance tools
To help you determine which tools your organization needs, it's important to review the primary features and functionality of the three database performance tools categories. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jun 2016
Three indicators that could signal database performance issues
Database performance monitoring and management tools can be used to mitigate issues and help organizations be more proactive, so they can avoid performance problems and outages. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2016
What you need to know about database performance software
Database performance software identifies bottlenecks and points of contention, monitors workload and throughput, and manages system and DBMS resource usage. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2015
Types of NoSQL databases and key criteria for choosing them
In a book excerpt, consultant Dan Sullivan offers insights into how to select the right type of NoSQL database for the right application in your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Aug 2015
SAP HANA in-memory DBMS overview
SAP HANA is an in-memory DBMS and application platform designed to handle high transaction rates and complex queries using one data copy. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2015
MySQL open source RDBMS overview
Developers, database administrators and DevOps teams use MySQL open source RDBMS to more easily operate next-generation applications in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2015
Which in-memory DBMS best fits your company's needs?
Database expert Craig S. Mullins examines some top in-memory DBMS software offerings to help you determine which is the best fit for your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Jun 2015
Oracle Database 12c relational database management system overview
Oracle Database 12c delivers strong performance for mission-critical workloads, with features and functionality for diverse processing needs and requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2015
Relational database design tips to boost performance
As relational database management systems handle more and more data, a strategic approach to data modeling has become vital. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 May 2015
Sort through types of database management systems before you buy
The database management system lies at the center of any organization's business activities. It houses the data that pumps life into operations and analytics applications and ensures that it's managed and manipulated securely. But the types of database management systems, or DBMSes, are numerous -- and organizations starting the evaluation process need to first examine the data they need to process, says data management consultant Craig S. Mullins in this special edition of Business Information. Is it traditional, structured data? Or is it a vast pool full of audio and video streams, social media data and other unstructured information?
First, Mullins surveys the database product landscape, detailing the advantages of the types of database management systems on the market, breaking them into three main categories: relational database management systems, NoSQL databases and in-memory databases. Next Mullins takes a close look at relational systems. Any organization shopping for a database system should begin here, he says, because relational databases are good for a wide range of uses -- traditional data management and analytical applications, batch processing and more. Finally, Mullins explores the relatively new world of NoSQL database systems, known for their able handling of big data. NoSQL has its own types of database management systems, falling into four categories: key-value, document, column and graph. Each is suitable for particular uses, so companies may want to consider mixing and matching, depending on their data needs. Continue Reading -
Opinion
01 May 2015
With database management tools, never settle
They're the heart of it all, pumping data to applications and business processes. But the sheer number of products on the market can boggle any mind. Continue Reading
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01 May 2015
Key considerations for determining if a NoSQL DBMS meets your IT needs
A broad range of nouveau database systems can be helpful for organizations that need to crunch large volumes of unstructured, fast-moving data -- but there’s a lot to look out for. Continue Reading
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01 May 2015
Key criteria for deciding if a relational DBMS meets your IT needs
For many organizations, a relational database management system will get the job done; others need to keep looking to fulfill their needs. Continue Reading
- 01 May 2015
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Feature
30 Apr 2015
Which relational DBMS is best for your company?
Database expert Craig S. Mullins examines the top relational database management system software to determine which best fits your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2015
How to determine if an in-memory DBMS is right for your company
Database expert Craig S. Mullins examines the pros and cons of the in-memory database management system, and the criteria you should consider during the request-for-proposal and evaluation period. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2015
Key criteria for deciding if a relational DBMS meets your IT needs
For many organizations, a relational database management system will get the job done; others need to keep looking to fulfill their needs. Continue Reading