If your business database is not structured, you may lose crucial information or struggle to retrieve them. How do you decide which DBMS is the best?
B2B brands are evolving at lightning speed with the technological revolution, and so is their database. In the absence of an accurate data management system, information is not organized and may go amiss. Moreover, a DBMS ensures that you can create, modify, and add query into a database, along with managing the security and access controls for that software.
While designing and building data management systems, you can incorporate open-source database technology or purchase commercial software. And each of these options brings with it a set of benefits and drawbacks. The demand for open source and proprietary databases is equally high. This often puts IT teams in a state of dilemma. Studies indicate that in 2023, the worldwide DBMS market was expected to cross $100 billion.
We’ve discussed each of these separately.
Proprietary software
In recent years, the realm of software has evolved significantly, with tech brands having an array of software options to choose from. Proprietary software restricts the usability and ownership rights to the software. Vendors sell this technology as an off-the-shelf commercial product that may or may not allow customization. Its code is unavailable to other users or vendors, which is why it is also known as closed-course software. Typically, proprietary software gives ownership to a single entity but it can be licensed by other parties who want to utilize it.
Proprietary Software- Benefits
The software is faster and more reliable than open source. Proprietary software companies have efficient helpdesks and online resources. If you prefer access to prompt and easy support, this option is your go-to because of the additional layer of security that makes this possible.
Let’s dive into the various advantages this software offers its users:
Bug-Free
Integrating proprietary software only to get disrupted by a cyberattack, would be a huge disappointment and a problem that is hard to fix. Investing heavily in quality assurance and testing safeguards your software and provides reliable solutions for your specific needs. You can also receive free patches to fix any potential bugs.
Easy Usability
Proprietary software suppliers customize it to align with the target user. These companies end up investing significant resources in user interface design. When you choose this software, you experience easy usability even if you are new to the technology’s functionality.
Clear Roadmap for Development
These software companies offer a clear overview of software development. Typically, they comprise a team of developers working on the software, allowing them to craft upgrades. The clarity verifies that you know what features to expect, helping you navigate the application efficiently.
Proprietary Software- Challenges
Despite the several advantages, proprietary software also has some drawbacks:
High Cost
You may have to pay an initial fee plus a subscription charge, which increases the total sum. Additionally, you may need to hire developers to maintain and develop the software, further increasing the cost involved.
Fewer Options
One of the downsides of these companies is the limited options and features that you can access. As a result, users may be unable to determine the ideal solutions and settle for something else.
Limited Freedom of Use
Proprietary software is often heavily restricted in terms of how you can use it and what changes you will be allowed to make. You will be required to sign a license agreement, which specifies how they can use their software. Since it is copy-protected, you may find it difficult to share or resell the product.
Restricted Customization
The design of this software is launched with a specific end goal, which eliminates the concept of customization. You may not have the flexibility to modify or tweak their software.
Lack of Transparency
Since the software providers keep their source code private, there is a significant lack of transparency. As a result, you cannot review the code to verify whether the outcome is secure and reliable.
Open Source
Beyond the obvious cost-effectiveness, upstream projects are free to use and download. Studies revealed that 32% of IT leaders consider open source enterprise software of a higher quality than proprietary products. Moreover, it is free of licensing restrictions and high costs, overcoming the challenges faced with proprietary software.
And then there is the online open source community! It allows companies to deploy their data systems anywhere— in the cloud, on-premises, or in hybrid environments. Selecting a database service requires organizations like yours to overcome the dilemma of integrating the best solution.
Benefits of Open Source
Cost-Effectiveness
The cost-effectiveness offered by open source is by far a winning advantage. The technology is open to public access and downloading, plus it’s free. Brands like yours can lower the costs involved in licensing and subscription.
Flexibility and Customization
This technology delivers great flexibility and customization options to the audience. You can access the source code and alter it as per your needs, thus sharing innovation with the open-source community.
Community Support
You engage with a growing community of developers, contributors, and users. This promotes the exchange of best practices, contributing to the ongoing development of the technology.
Vendor Neutrality
Vendor neutrality makes sure that you are not locked into just one vendor. In fact, it gives you the freedom to draw the best from a stream of choices based on their preferences and your needs.
Drawbacks of Open Source
Lack of Official Support
Open source databases lack the necessary channels of support that you can get from proprietary solutions. This may cause difficulties in terms of reliability, responsiveness, and accountability. The lack of official support also makes it difficult to address critical problems.
Complexity and Learning Curve
Operating these solutions requires a high level of technical expertise, enabling efficient deployment. When using open source, you may need to set aside additional resources for skills and training that promote its management.
Security and Compliance Concerns
Although open source is free and resource-rich, the software may be susceptible to security and compliance risks. The possible threats may arise due to a lack of official patches or vulnerabilities. You can prevent this challenge by integrating robust security protocols and compliance monitoring measures, amplifying data protection.
Integration and Interoperability
Another hurdle with open source databases is compatibility and interoperability issues with proprietary software, legacy systems, or third-party applications. While incorporating open source in your existing infrastructure, you may encounter mismatched data formats. This can make the entire process quite cumbersome.
Proprietary vs. Open Source
There is an overlapping similarity and yet a stark difference between these software solutions. For instance, proprietary software is not open to the public, and users are unable to access or modify the source code. Whereas, the biggest hit of open source software is its availability and access to the public, allowing you to modify and share the source code. Another selling point of these software companies is their free usability. Unlike proprietary software which is purpose-oriented, open source is customizable. However, in some instances, open source can transform into proprietary— termed ‘proprietary fork’. This happens in situations when versions of the open source software are modified and copyrighted by developers as their own.
Wrapping up
Choosing between open source and proprietary database services demands your consideration of the pros and cons of both these technologies. Evaluating your brand’s needs, priorities, and constraints guides you to integrate the best solution provider. If you opt for open source, you are sure to experience cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and support from a community of other brands. However, they may require more technical expertise, which makes it difficult to comply with regulations. On the other hand, proprietary solutions will provide better vendor support, easy usability, and advanced features. The drawback of this platform, however, is higher costs and vendor lock-in. Instead of juggling between either of these solutions, you can utilize proprietary DBMS software to fulfill some data requirements and open source technology for the other relevant requirements.