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Databases
Managing data
With few options in hand, the choice of a database is based
on its features. By Kushal Shah
A structured collection of records or data called as database these days performs
various other tasks when compared to earlier days. Some important features such
as security, data recovery, parallel computing, support for heterogeneous environment,
support for Web services and SOA should be integral parts of any database product.
Databases should be able to store multiple types of data.
SMBs in particular are sitting on lots of unorganised data which needs to be
organised so as to manage it with ease. On the other hand, SMBs are slowly moving
towards ERP implementations. The growing use of enterprise wide applications
(EWA) in areas such as materials management (supply chain), network asset management,
revenue management, human resources management, management information system,
and geographical information system makes it mandatory to have a robust database
application.
Information should be delivered as needed. Information on demand is about getting
the right information to the right people or processes at the right time to
act on emerging opportunities and competitive threats. It is about creating
business value and reducing risk by integrating, analysing and optimising all
types and sources of information throughout its lifecycle to address customer
needs.
Some major players providing solutions for database management are IBM, Microsoft,
Oracle and Sybase. These companies are striving to add features.
Things to look for
Data security is among the most important aspects of using a database. Databases
come with a slew of features vis-a-vis security. A database should not give
access to unauthorised people. Features like data vault secure data from unauthorised
access even within an organisation. To tackle security, different vendors come
up with various security features to make their products more robust. Securing
backups, auditing, encryption and digital signatures are some of these features.
In case of a disaster, it’s better for a database manager
to avoid using third party software to recover the data. Most database vendors
these days bundle backup and recovery within the main application itself for
easier and faster recovery after an accident. Such inbuilt recovery facilities
enable an organisation to run a business with minimal downtime.
To augment processing power, organisations are continuously using multiple processors
by implementing multi-core architectures. Parallel computing is becoming increasingly
useful for the faster resolution of activities. Most databases fully support
both these features in their own way using different technologies.
Owing to different benefits, organisations these days are using a heterogeneous
environment. Not all the clients and servers in any organisation run a single
operating system; some may run Linux, others Windows, maybe even a Mac. It is
essential to provide support for database applications irrespective of the underlying
infrastructure. Not all the databases are able to provide interoperability but
all aim to provide it in a simple way.
Last but not the least, Web support is one the essential requirements of any
database application. With growing usage of Web-based applications, databases
must provide support for the Web.
The choice of a database product varies according to the requirement of an organisation.
It is up to the IT manager to choose the apt solution based on the organisational
needs in this area.
| Sybase SQL ANYWHERE
 Sybase
SQL Anywhere is a relational database-management system (RDBMS) that scales
from thousands of users in server environments down to desktop and mobile
applications used in widely deployed, zero-administration environments. The
features include transaction processing, referential integrity, stored
procedures and triggers, materialized views, hot failover, and automatic
backup and recovery. SQL Anywhere includes features for self-administering,
self-tuning, and remote support, making it ideal for widely deployed,
zero-administration environments.
Price: Rs 175,600* - CPU License Price, Includes
one year of support. * Taxes & Levies Extra
Contact: Sujay Shetty
Telephone: 022 30611555
E-mail: sujay.shetty@sybase.com
Website: sybase.in
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| IBM DB2 Express 9
 DB2
Express 9 is an entry level data server suitable for transaction processing
or complex query workloads on servers with up to two processors. DB2 Express
9 provides many of Enterprise capabilities as value add features to allow
you to control costs by purchasing only the capability you need. It includes
all core DB2 capabilities, installs quickly and easily, automates administration
adaptive memory allocation, offers automatic storage management and more.
It also supports various platforms like Linux, Sun Solaris (x86) and Microsoft
Windows.
Contact: Disha Agrawal
Telephone: 080 22063828
E-mail: dishaa@in.ibm.com
Website: ibm.com/software/
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Oracle Database 10G
 Oracle
Database 10g delivers record-breaking performance and scalability
on Windows, Linux, and UNIX servers and provides fast ROI
by moving from a single server to grid computing without changing
a single line of code. The Real Application Cluster delivers
better results by automating administrative tasks, providing
industry-leading security and regulatory compliance features,
and enabling the highest availability. Oracle Real Application
Clusters (Oracle RAC), is an option on the Oracle Database
10g Enterprise Edition. Oracle RAC supports the deployment
of a single database across a cluster of servers—providing
fault tolerance and scalability with no application changes
needed. Oracle Database 10g security addresses the critical
requirements around data privacy and protection, regulatory
compliance, and data consolidation.
Price: Rs 6,660 plus taxes onwards
Contact: Vandana Shenoy
Telephone: 080 40291180/78/76/73
E-mail: oracleindia_in@oracle.com
Website: oracle.com
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Windows Small Business Server 2003
 E-mail,
shared documents and calendars, security-enhanced Internet
access and data storage, reliable printing and faxing, and
remote administration are some of the features of this server.
It is available in standard and premium editions. The major
components are Windows Server 2003, Windows SharePoint Services,
Exchange Server 2003, Microsoft Outlook 2003, and Microsoft
Shared Fax Service. The Premium edition also features SQL
Server 2000, Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003 and ISA Server
2004.
Telephone: 1800 111100
E-mail: connect@microsoft.com
Website: microsoft.com/windowsserver2003
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