Introducing Open-Source Database Software

The time has come for you to empower yourself so you can stop relying on those Dark Jedis! Back in the days of old, closed-source data management systems were all that was available for businesses (think Oracle and MySQL). Although these closed-source options are reliable, they prohibit businesses (or individuals such as Han Solo) from modifying or even accessing the code. That means you have to rely on the company that made the software and wrote the code for the smallest corrections or updates. So, what’s to be done?

Open-Source Database Software is the solution, the Light Side of The Force.

With the wisdom of The Force by your side (thanks Yoda!), you’ll be able to delve into the ancient Jedi wisdom of Open-Source Database Software. Let’s go!
 

It’s Not As Complex As The Death Star!

First off, what is a database? Simply put, a database is a physical or virtual location where data is collected, organized and stored.

Depending on the type of database, we have Open-Source Database Software and Closed-Source Database Software —

One is good, the other… well, maybe not evil but not so good.

Take a look at how these database software differ from one another:

Open-Source Database Software allows an open-source code to be viewed, studied and modified by users. Closed-source or proprietary databases are the opposite of open-source databases. As their code is protected so that no one besides the company who created the code can access or manipulate it.

In a nutshell, Open-Source Database Software provides the tools to manage databases, while also allowing the organization using the software to manipulate it in a way that is specific to them. Yes, this is the good one!

Open-source Database Software needs to be reliable in addition to having data integrity (consistency and accuracy of data). Vital information stored within these databases must be easily accessible to organizations based on their needs. Every organization has unique wants and Open-source Database Software must be able to be manipulated to meet those wants and needs. Simple, right?

Let’s jump into the Millennium Falcon and travel back in time!
 

Not That Long Ago And Definitely In This Galaxy!

 
Time to shoot back about 60 years and take a look at the start of computerized databases. Businesses and organizations always need to get more done while minimizing costs.

That’s never going to change.

With this in mind, computerized databases became the most cost-effective method in terms of databases. Information Management System (IMS) and Conference/ Committee on Data Systems Language (CODASYL) are the two models that emerged in the late 1960s to early 1970s.

Jump in the Delorean and head to 1983! (Oh, wrong movie, sorry!). In 1983 there was the Free Software Movement. That sounds like a revolution! This social movement was aimed at getting software users certain guaranteed freedoms. These freedoms included the freedom to study, modify and ultimately share the software with modifications.

The mid-1990s is when the database industry really took off. That’s because the rising popularity and use of the internet came into the picture.

Then an open-source community started to emerge in 2000 with openoffice.org. This was software that allowed source code to be downloaded. This was the freebie alternative to Microsoft Office.

Today we see the existence of many Open-source database solutions, such as PostgreSQL, Redis and MongoDB.

Time to crack open the machine and see how this puppy really operates!
 

It’s All About The Data Wars!

The biggest need that must be met is the analysis of vast amounts of data available. That is what an organization uses Open-source Database Software for. Since the source code may be modified by any user, organizations are able to tailor a system that is specific to the needs and wants of said organization in terms of analyzing data. This is a big win as it optimizes day-to-day workflow for an organization.

The Open-Source Database Software then reports the analysis of data to an organization, which helps them make decisions based on the insight that is gathered in real-time.

To illustrate how this works, you can look at the company Progressive Insurance. They utilize their Snapshot program to analyze driving data that amounts to over 15 billion miles. Stats, such as what time of day a driver typically drives, are just one piece of data this software must take into account. By being able to manipulate and modify code within their database, Progressive can make changes as they are needed to ensure that their Snapshot program continues to work in real-time without missing a beat.

However, what if you want to analyze miles flown by the Millennium Falcon – would that need a different type of Open-Source Database Software? Let’s find out!
 

 

Types Of Open-Source Database Software

The point of all this is to allow organizations to collect data and identify patterns that help improve their business. That requires different types of Open-source Database Software to do this most efficiently.

There are several different types of Open-source Database Software:
 

• End-user Database Software

  This type of database software deals with the compilation of multiple users' individual databases.

• Operational Database Software

  An operational database is a database that operates in real-time and handles the ongoing data tasks of an organization. Operational database software works with inventory and customer databases.

• Relational Database Software 

  This software consists of columns and rows merging to create a table that stores data. It’s commonly used in the world of media.

• Distributed Database Software

  With a distributed database, data is stored in several different locations. This would be the opposite of a centralized database. This software deals with the multiple databases that make up an organization's main database.

• Database Warehouse Software

  This software works with archived data. It helps predict future trends by analyzing the data of previous years.

Phew! That was a lot to digest. So what’s it all about, Chewie?
 

Here’s What Makes It So Awesome, Han!

The question is this: what really makes this Open-Source Database Software business so appealing?

(No, they don’t have Cindy Crawford as their spokesperson but that’s a good guess!)

Since source code is passed around, feedback can be given in large quantities which results in the quick improvement of this type of software.

Open-Source Database Software has what some might say is a “peace-of-mind” advantage. That is because, with closed source, you have to rely on the company that made the code to ensure the code works properly and ensures security. With open-source, you can see for yourself if the code is secure or not.

Of course, organizations always like to save money (who doesn’t?). Open-source software helps them do that.

The development of a community of users who share information with each other (think forums!) is a major result of the software being available publicly. Being in the public domain and getting constant updates means this type of software will be around for the long haul. Organizations can depend on these types of software being available for long-term projects.
 

Use The Force To See The Master Plan Unfold!

 
As we move into the future, the amount of data being created every day by organizations around the world will only increase.

For example, the number of people who use smartphones in the future will increase. Just imagine all of that data! Open-source use will increase because of the need for the speedy development of technology (like Progressive’s Snapshot Program) that operates in real-time.

You can also expect to see rising competition between companies that create Open-source Database Software and companies that offer cloud services. That is because cloud-service companies are able to offer Open-source Database Management as a part of their service.

Essentially, this means that the cloud companies will be making a profit without having to share the wealth with the creators of the open-source database management software. If the big picture is considered here, then the communities of users who rely on Open-Source Database Software will make sure that the creators of the software will continue to be funded.

However, the real future of Open-Source Database Software lies in the hands of individual
organizations that create their own software for their individual wants and needs. This software will then make its way into the public domain, allowing other organizations to use and improve the software.

Everyone benefits, Chewie! Everyone!
 

Summing It Up

The galaxy of Open-Source Database Software is vast. Almost everyone needs it and though the battle between Light and Dark will continue, only the universe knows who will win out in the end.

Tailoring a system to the specific needs and wants of an organization is among the main reasons why Open-Source Database Software is so popular. To streamline your business processes and enable faster outcomes, you should try it out too!

All right, take a nap — space travel can be overwhelming. Until next time!