MSSQL 2000

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 is a full-featured relational database management system (RDBMS) that offers a variety of administrative tools to ease the burdens of database development, maintenance and administration. In this article, we'll cover six of the more frequently used tools: Enterprise Manager, Query Analyzer, SQL Profiler, Service Manager, Data Transformation Services and Books Online.

MSSQL 2005

After a long gap in the release of SQL Server databases, Microsoft recently released SQL Server 2005 (formerly code-named Yukon). In this substantial upgrade, they've packed the new database engine full of features. Probably the most significant one that will catch your attention is the price tag – it’s up to 25% higher than SQL Server 2000. A single processor license for SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition will set you back approximately $25,000. That’s not cheap, but Microsoft has made some great advances in functionality that make up the difference.

• SQL Server 2005 Express replaces the Microsoft Data Engine (MSDE) as the free version of SQL Server for application development and lightweight use. It remains free and retains the limitations of MSDE with respect to client connections and performance. It’s a great tool for developing and testing applications and extremely small implementations, but that’s about as far as you can run with it.

• SQL Server 2005 Workgroup is the new entrant in the product line. It’s billed as a “small business SQL Server” and it offers an impressive array of functionality for processor. Workgroup edition maxes out at 2 CPUs with 3GB of RAM and allows for most of the functionality you’d expect from a server-based relational database. It offers limited replication capabilities as well.

• The workhorse SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition remains the staple of the product line for serious database applications. It can handle up to 4 CPUs with an unlimited amount of RAM. Standard Edition 2005 introduces database mirroring and integration services.

• The big kid on the block is SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition. With the release of 2005, Enterprise Edition allows unlimited scalability and partitioning. It’s truly an enterprise-class database which reflects its value.

MSSQL 2008

SQL Server 2008 is the latest release in Microsoft’s enterprise relational database platform series. In this substantial upgrade, they've packed the new database engine full of new features.

• SQL Server 2008 Express Edition is a fantastic option for those seeking the power of a full-featured relational database but with low performance requirements. It replaces the Microsoft Data Engine (MSDE) as the free version of SQL Server for application development and lightweight use. It remains free and retains the limitations of MSDE with respect to client connections and performance. It’s a great tool for developing and testing applications and extremely small implementations, but that’s about as far as you can run with it.

• SQL Server 2008 Workgroup is billed as a small business SQL Server and it offers an impressive array of functionality per processor. Workgroup edition maxes out at 2 CPUs with 3GB of RAM and allows for most of the functionality you’d expect from a server-based relational database. It offers limited replication capabilities as well.

• The workhorse SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition remains the staple of the product line for serious database applications. It can handle up to 4 CPUs with an unlimited amount of RAM. Standard Edition 2008 introduces database mirroring and integration services.

• The big kid on the block is SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Edition. With the release of 2008, Enterprise Edition allows unlimited scalability and partitioning. It’s truly an enterprise-class database.

• Developers needing the full features of SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Edition for use in a non-production environment may find SQL Server 2008 Developer Edition the right tool for the job. This product has the exact same functionality as Enterprise Edition and only differs in the license. Microsoft also offers a direct upgrade path to convert Developer servers to production licensing

• SQL Server 2008 Web is a specialized version of SQL Server for use in web hosting environments. Like Standard edition, it has no limitations on the amount of memory used and supports the use of up to 4 CPUs. .

• SQL Server 2008 Compact is a free version of SQL Server for use in embedded environments, such as mobile devices and other Windows systems.

Oracle 9i

Oracle9i Database provides efficient, reliable, secure data management for high-end applications such as high-volume on-line transaction processing (OLTP) environments, query-intensive data warehouses, and demanding Internet applications. Oracle also offers several additional optional database products that enhance the capabilities of Oracle9i Database for specific application requirements.

Oracle 10g / 11g

Oracle Database 11g Release 2 provides the foundation for IT to successfully deliver more information with higher quality of service, reduce the risk of change within IT, and make more efficient use of their IT budgets. By deploying Oracle Database 11g Release 2 as their data management foundation, organizations can utilize the full power of the world's leading database to:

• Reduce server costs by a factor of 5
• Reduce storage requirements by a factor of 12
• Improve mission critical systems performance by a factor of 10
• Increase DBA productivity by a factor of 2
• Eliminate idle redundancy in the data center, and
• Simplify their overall IT software portfolio.

MySQL

MySQL is the world's most popular open source database software, with over 100 million copies of its software downloaded or distributed throughout its history. With its superior speed, reliability, and ease of use, MySQL has become the preferred choice for Web, Web 2.0, SaaS, ISV, Telecom companies and forward-thinking corporate IT Managers because it eliminates the major problems associated with downtime, maintenance and administration for modern, online applications.

Many of the world's largest and fastest-growing organizations use MySQL to save time and money powering their high-volume Web sites, critical business systems, and packaged software — including industry leaders such as Yahoo!, Alcatel-Lucent, Google, Nokia, YouTube, Wikipedia, and Booking.com.