8 Key Considerations When Choosing a Database Management System
Businesses need to store and use data at all times. A Database Management System, makes it easier to store, update and retrieve important information or data about your business and customers.
Database Management System (DBMS) is vital for any business’s success. It helps manage the interaction between your applications and your stored information (processed data). DBMS also ensures that the right data is available for the required user group whenever needed.
DBMS exists to help you manage huge amounts of data and give it a proper structure. It is also less expensive and it offers a lot of advantages for organizations and businesses.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the seven key considerations when picking a database management system:
1. Functionality
Check if the modules given in your data management and analysis tools are ideal for your unique business requirements. Every business is different. So when making your choice, you need to ensure that your offerings match your objectives and that they’re in sync.
Some general functionalities that you should look for, but not limited to are:
- Filtration of extraction of data
- Data analysis and insight
- Automation of database tasks
- Database forecasting
- Data analysis visualization
- Campaign planning and management of ROI
2. Data Protection
Each DBMS allows various methods to protect data via encryption, but the possibility of defining access rights and routes varies for every system.
The data protection method will depend on the data structure and should be carefully considered when choosing a DBMS.
Data security is key when it comes to database systems. Aside from choosing a good DBMS, you also have to note the security aspects at the implementation time.
All personal information and financial data that are stored in a business system should be kept securely. It will also need to adhere to local and international regulations when it comes to data protection and safety.
Similarly, you also need to ensure that the database you pick has advanced security measures to protect you in case of data loss or theft.
It’s also possible that your files are unintentionally corrupted by employees or unauthorized individuals who gain access to your data. All these aspects need to be taken care of. Thus, your chosen system should address all of these points to keep your data safe.
3. Data Visualization and Reporting
Check the ease of visually analyzing and showing the results for any queries that you may run your data while you choose selections and segments. Many graphic design agencies like how the software displays campaign results if you put this information back in your database.
Also, find visual displays that will show these results to colleagues, team members, managers, and directors so they can understand them quickly.
4. Cost and Suitability
Although costs are an obvious factor, you must ensure that your decision should be based on the software that fits your purpose.
It will be costly on your end if you go with a system that you invest time and effort in building only to realize that it’s not advanced enough to fit your needs.
There’s also no need to go for the most expensive software in the market if you’re unlikely to need its functionality.
5. Multi Access and Integration
When you set up a DBMS, run it, and then extend it for future growth, it should be flexible enough to allow integration into the given IT infrastructure.
In the same way, the DBMS also needs to allow concurrent access by various users. Integration and synchronization with other tools are also key for a smooth workflow.
6. Database Usability
When evaluating database management services, you also need to consider which is the most user-friendly because it’s something that all your employees may have to use. So, when choosing a DBMS, you must also consider its comfort.
In some companies, the staff is mostly made up of IT professionals, while in other enterprises, it’s mainly composed of marketing professionals. Thus, their level of technical knowledge may vary, as does their skills in data-related tasks.
It would help if you did a primary evaluation to test the comfort and suitability of the software for the people working in your organization. In the same way, you should also consider which one is the most user-friendly DBMS.
Plenty of DBMS systems provide a simple drag-and-drop execution of tasks, a highly intuitive method of dealing with databases. At the end of the day, whatever systems you use, ensure that it works for everyone in the organization.
7. Efficiency
When talking about a DBMS’ efficiency, we usually mean response time. You’ll come across on-premise and cloud solutions available on the market.
Depending on your IT infrastructure, a cloud-based solution has disadvantages as you rely on the latencies of network providers and network services.
On the flip side, cloud computing gives you better resources than your on-premise infrastructure since efficiency is also directly related to scalability. Make sure that your choice of DBMS will help you scale your needs.
8. Updates
Automation and frequency are two of the most critical factors related to database updates.
Will you need data to be live and constantly in sync with other systems, or will running daily or even weekly updates be enough? Also, you’ll need a consistent data source when automating the update process.
For example, field types and the files provided each time should be the same. You also need to consider how often source data will change if you plan to import additional data. How will your software of choice handle this if that’s the case?
Over to You
So, there you have it. Once you have chosen the best DBMS for your needs, you can start rolling it out. Your database management system is an essential component of your business’ success.
