Essay Example on Open-Source Database Tools: Gaining Industry Momentum

Introduction

In the current time, there is an option of choosing database management tools. However, in the earlier years, most of the database management tools in the market had closed sources, hence limiting the users' options. But with the emergence of open-source database tools, organizations can examine the best Database Management System, which meets their needs and can be scalable appropriately. Therefore, Open Source Software is gaining industry momentum; hence databases should follow the same route to remain sustainable. The freedom associated with using Open-Source Software database management tools is the main reason why it will be dominant over the closed source software in the computing environment.

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The following research paper examines the two types of software used in database management systems to determine which one has the possibility of becoming dominant. The examined software is the open-source and proprietary database management system. These two systems may appear the same, but database administrators and developers have worked to differentiate their benefits to an organization. First, there is an examination of the open-source software and its potential benefits in the industry. However, there is the occasional comparison with proprietary software as used in database management tools.

Some of the research questions prompting the study include:

• What are some of the benefits associated with Open Source Software?
• Are these benefits significant enough to warrant transition from the proprietary software?
• Is the use of Open Source Software sustainable?

The Open-Source Software (OSS)

The OSS is software which after can be modified, shared, and used freely by anyone without the interventions of the developer. Thus, OSS is developed to solve problems in the market without the developers having the intent of acquiring financial benefits from the software. This software may then be developed by various people but distributed following the licenses which comply with the use of Open Source software. Therefore, the OSS has since gained popularity as a result of the freedom to use and modify it without financially compensating the developers. Moreover, there are other benefits associated with OSS, which include: reliability, fast innovation, security, and quality code (Berkeley.edu., n.d). These additional benefits have been critical in driving the transition to OSS in database management tools.

When compared to proprietary software, the OSS has the backing of the general public as it has been modified by a vast majority of developers. Hence, the OSS is determined as reliable and of a better quality as a result of a series of modifications and improvements. Moreover, the modification of an OSS follows rapid source code evolution with independent peer reviews leading to its quality and reliability. That kind of development and modification is not associated with proprietary software; hence their quality and reliability may be questioned. The proprietary software developers are not open to allowing the public developers to review their source code as they risk financial losses when their reputation is criticized.

Benefits of OSS over Proprietary Software

MySQL is an example of a popularly used open-source database management tool due to its wide acceptability by administrators and developers (Prince, 2008). Some of the leading technology industries applying MySQL in their database management system include NASA, Department of Homeland Security, Twitter, Airbnb, and Netflix. According to Gasperson (2007), the ratings by MySQL users are exceeding those of proprietary databases. Thus, developers and administrators have the preference of implementing MySQL with the combination of other open-source database management tools. That is because of its simplicity of use it in solving database management system issues that may arise.

Also, the benefit of using MySQL is user-friendliness with regard to using and learning the functionalities. Hence, no much financial resources and time are used in the application of the database management tool (Gasperson, 2007). That is because a lot of resources are used to hire developers and training staff members when other system software is used instead of MySQL. Thus, the simplicity in the application of MySQL with the natural practices of syntax and coding tone makes this software to grow as the preferred database management tool increasingly. The free nature of the software makes it applicable to anyone without further associated costs, and it is developed to be used by other developers.

Cost is a major determinant of the progress of organizations embracing technology in their operations. Whether the organization is weak or strong financially, the Information Technology issues related to overhead remains to be a major concern for their sustainability. That is because the Information Technology department in any organization requires continuous financial investment due to the dynamic nature of computing technology. Hence, organizations have to invest in modern technology to remain competitive in the market. The use of open-source software has drastically addressed this problem of financial spending on information technology within an organization. Open Source software has demonstrated its benefits, whether used as an Enterprise or a Lite version because the cost is drastically reduced, but in some cases, there is no financial spending. When using proprietary software by companies such as Microsoft and Oracle, users are faced with the problem of upfront licensing spending despite being older alternatives (Toderash, 2007). Therefore, it is financially feasible to adopt the use of open-source software when compared to proprietary ones, as savings by the user annually can reach 5000 US dollars (Gasperson, 2007).

There is also scalability and flexibility with the use of MySQL, which cannot be achieved by proprietary software designed for database management tools. Open Source Software has the option for modification and improvement, for instance, storage engines (Asay, 2007). The user can acquire the software and develop it when the organization improves, hence the software is scalable for improvement in productivity. Organizations in the same industry are not basically the same in their operations; hence they may need customized database management tools in their operations. The flexibility and scalability of Open Source Software cannot be achieved by proprietary software whose level of customization cannot better fit in a particular organization.

Conclusion

The flexibility and scalability and among other benefits associated with open source software shown in the study is the main reason for its dominance over proprietary software. Information Technology costs affect organizations irrespective of their sizes; hence they are keen on developing ways to reduce their spending. Open Source Software enables the organization to manage its financial liability since the software is scalable and flexible to be used in the future. Also, the software is free for use and modification, requiring little or no financial input from the users. Thus, a database management tool is preferred due to reduced costs during the initial set-up and its ability to be modified to meet the needs of the organization in the future.

References

Asay, M. (2007). Why choose proprietary software over open source? Survey says! http://news.cnet.com/8301-13505_3-9789275-16.html

Berkeley.edu. (n.d) IST Database Administration Services. Retrieved 20 January 2020, from http://dba-services.berkeley.edu/services/selecting_a_platform

Gasperson, T. (2007). Five Compelling Reasons to Use MySQL. Retrieved 20 January 2020, from https://www.cio.com/article/2438900/five-compelling-reasons-to-use-mysql.html

Prince, B. (2008). Open-Source Databases MySQL, PostgreSQL, Adoption Rising. Retrieved 20 January 2020, from https://www.eweek.com/database/open-source-databases-mysql-postgresql-adoption-rising

Toderash, B. (2007). Eight Sound Reasons Not to Use MySQL. Retrieved 20 January 2020, from https://www.cio.com/article/2438899/eight-sound-reasons-not-to-use-mysql.html