Database Software
| Before the advent of computers, database systems were complicated, bulky and could fill rooms of space, resulting in expensive storage costs with little or no utility. Even at the start of the computer age, electronic database systems required ample room for large and bulky machines. It wasn't until the 1990s that digital data storage finally become cost-effective and convenient. Well into the 2000s, database software  has now evolved into its own industry, making it possible for businesses to store and calculate data that was never even attempted in the early days. With the popularity of blade servers growing and the ease-of-use entailed, setting up a professional database, even in a small office environment, is too easy to justify not doing. |
Popular Database Creative and Implementation Software
Most of today's popular databases are built on relational management systems. Though there has been much debate over the exact definition of "relational management system," this generally means that information is presented in relation to other information and that users can input information and receive relational information back from the system. The first relational database management systems were introduced in the 1970s and though many of the fundamentals remain the same, user-friendliness, functionality and compatibility have greatly improved. In recent years, there have even been a few daring products to break the RDMS mold.
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Filemaker Pro 8
Filemaker has been known for its easy-to-use relational database software for years and volume 8 contains that tradition, and provides innovative new features (like the ability to import spreadsheets and output information to PDF, and instant Web publishing). Experts may find a more complex interface appealing, but for regular users, it's a cinch. |
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Access has been the leading relational database application for developers for years now. Access 2006 is especially good at creating ad hoc systems for information storage. Its impressive SQL-compatibility has attracted many developers. The program also has basic functions that keep average users safe from confusion. |
Alpha Five 7
Alpha Five allows users to create complex databases without complex programming. In addition to its traditional user-friendly interface, Alpha Five Version 7 features e-mail support and new e-commerce functions. Alpha Five Version 7 is a smart choice for small businesses without an IT department in need of complex and detailed databases. |
AskSam Professional 6
AskSam Professional 6 specializes in databases design to handle documents. This innovative approach makes filing easy and searching for appropriate information extremely fast. AskSam can easily organized Web pages, documents and other data that other software may have difficulty dealing with. However, it does lag in traditional functions. |
Online Solutions
QuickBase
QuickBase focuses its attention squarely on the business world, ensuring that data can be shared quickly and efficiently between office workstations. QuickBase is a non-traditional hosted solution, which provides added flexibility and convergence. QuickBase also provides 44 common business database templates.
Things to Keep In Mind
Unlike other work functions, data collection must be absolute and precise. As such, certain businesses have very different needs from others. Especially when a database revolves in some way around money, it is extremely important that a consumer know the capabilities and limitations of their database software. Not all businesses are the same and not all companies or individuals have the same needs.
Customization: It is common for a business to go to a vendor and have database software specifically designed for their needs. How specific is your business? Can you work with a simple bulk system or do you need extremely precise software? Does your business deal with several industries at once? How easy is it to edit fields and equations accordingly?
Wizards: How experienced are you with creating and dealing with database systems? Do you need guidance or templates to help the process?
Accounting Functions: Does your software have e-commerce capabilities? Can you ensure that databases derived from it retain sensitive data? Can it efficiently create database systems that can perform complex equations or do financial projections?
Word Processing: Can your software perform basic word processing and spreadsheeting functions?
Compatibility: Can databases created by your software "talk" to your Web site? Can information input into one database be easily transferred to another? Can it export information to regular file types for viewing on other computers? Can it import information from various file types, like .Doc and .XML?
Security: Is your database easily accessed from a remote server? Does the software sufficiently allow you to encrypt and password protect your databases?
Speed: How fast is your hardware? Do you need a simple, fast-loading database program or can your system handle more ornate and feature-rich software?
External Resources
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