Database software is server software for storing, organising and querying business data, and this category suits companies, IT administrators and developers who run their own servers. Our range currently centres on Microsoft, a vendor best known for SQL Server, and lists a single product aimed at server deployments.
How to choose database software
Edition and feature set. Server databases are commonly sold in editions that differ in limits on memory, processor cores, database size and high-availability features. A small internal application rarely needs the top edition, while a system that must stay online around the clock often does. Check the product listing to see which edition you are buying.
Licensing model. Many server databases are licensed either per processor core or per server plus client access licences (CALs) for each user or device. The right choice depends on how many people connect and on how powerful the host server is. Work this out before ordering, because a mismatch can mean buying extra licences later.
Version and compatibility. Your applications may require a specific database version, and the version must also support your operating system. Some Microsoft database releases run on both Windows Server and Linux, but this varies by release. Look at the support lifecycle as well, since older versions eventually stop receiving security updates.
Server hardware and workload. The number of simultaneous users, the size of your data and the type of work all affect how much memory, storage speed and processor capacity you need. Databases that handle many transactions benefit from fast SSD storage and plenty of RAM. Plan for growth over the next few years, not only for today's load.
Database software brands we carry
- Microsoft: The company behind SQL Server, a relational database management system that uses the T-SQL query language and is widely used with Windows Server, .NET applications and business reporting tools.
No other brands are listed in this category at the moment, and there are no subcategories below it.
Database software FAQ
What is database software used for?
Database software stores business information in a structured form and lets applications read, change and report on it quickly. Typical uses include accounting systems, web shops, stock control and customer records. It runs on a server and is separate from the applications that connect to it.
Do I need client access licences for a Microsoft database server?
It depends on the licensing model of the product you buy. Server plus CAL licensing requires a CAL for each user or device that connects, while per-core licensing normally does not. Check the product description or ask us before ordering if you are unsure which applies.
Can database software run on a normal PC?
Some database products can be installed on an ordinary computer for testing or very small workloads. For real business use, a dedicated server is the usual choice, because it gives better memory, storage and uptime. Check the system requirements of the specific product before installing it.
Which edition of a database server should I buy?
Choose the lowest edition that covers your database size, number of cores, memory and availability needs. Entry editions usually have caps on these, and higher editions add features such as advanced high availability and larger limits. If your needs may grow, it is worth checking now whether you can upgrade later.
