Comparing Databases

Term Paper # 68532

Business > Information Mgmt. and Systems
Computer and Technology > Software

Comparing Databases

This paper presents a list of criteria to be used to compare Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, DB2 and Oracle.

1,945 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2006 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper stresses that businesses want the most cost efficient database that can still do a very good job; therefore, Microsoft Access is almost out of the question for large database needs because it slows down when it holds too much data and is best suited and made for small data needs. The author states that the most important criteria is budgetary constrains: Microsoft Access costs roughly $200 while Oracle Enterprise costs $40,000, Microsoft SQL Server enterprise costs $20,000 and DB2 is about $25,000. The paper relates that any database security plan should start with the server and network and provide prevention, detection, response, authentication, authorization, table access and auditing.

Table of Contents
Databases
Overview
List of Important Criteria When Choosing the Right Database
Reasons for These Criteria
Budget Criteria
Data Needs Criteria
Functionality Criteria
Security Criteria
Operating System Support Criteria
Business Model Criteria
Administration and Ease of Use Criteria
Federal Compliance Criteria
Upgrades/Modifications Criteria
Collaboration Criteria
Review

From the Paper:

"The data needs of the business are important when choosing the right DB. For instance, MS Access, although cheap, would be best suited for very small businesses or low data needs. On the other hand, large organizations with large data needs should use the industrial strength DBs like DB2 and Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. DB2 and Oracle are better suited for the really large data needs. For example: MS Access can hold 2GB of data; SQL Server can hold 1,048,516 TB of data."