In the modern business society, data management is mostly the cornerstone and the epicenter of success and excellence. Firms with impressive database management systems are way ahead of those who lack smooth systems for managing data in terms of business intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom. Decisions made based on data analytics are largely more accurate than those made without analysis of data (Haag & Cummings, 2013). Different firms offer varied database management tools to help enterprises handle their data with ease and precision for ample analytics. MySQL and Oracle are among the best database management tools providers in the modern world. The two fall under rational database management systems (RDBMS) category. Therefore, this paper will review MySQL database management system, its functionalities, state firms that can use it, as well as its pros and cons.
MySQL server is a product of MySQL AB and one of the leading open-source SQL databases in the world today.
MySQL is favored among open-source SQL databases because it comes with a free license (Foster, & Godbole, 2016). This aspect compels many organizations to look closely at this database management system when searching for something that can work right for them. The latest version of MySQL database currently on the shelves is 5.7.21, which comes with more superior features than its predecessors. One of the most standout traits of MySQL database management systems is its variability of the deployed storage engines. In addition, being a RDBMS, MySQL database management system boasts of efficient evaluation. Users are also sure of fidelity by the system because it comes with a test environment that is not only dedicated but also independent. The architectural design of MySQL is based on VMware ESXi 5.5 functionality on the autonomous host (Foster, & Godbole, 2016). Data storage and backup mechanisms are provided for by MySQL through database file replication, manipulation, and dedicated software.
MySQL database management system is ideal for firms that deal with big data, mostly in the telecommunication, computer hardware, and software companies. Today, MySQL DBMS service providers list among their customers big organizations such as Verizon telecommunication firm, F5 networks, and SAGE. With the help of MySQL, FS5 networks improved its records per second from 3,500 to about 22,000 (Foster, & Godbole, 2016). This a huge margin of improvement by the organization thanks to the services of MySQL DBMS. With version 5.5 of MySQL DBMS, Verizon experienced about 1400% improved in its record handling capacity, which is the same case with SAGE (Foster, & Godbole, 2016).
The greatest advantage of using MySQL database management system is its compatibility with various operating systems. One can use Windows, LINUX, MACOS, and UNIX (Erickson, 2009). Secondly, this database management system also allows for various programming interfaces including Java, Python, C++, Perl, and C among others (Erickson, 2009). It thus means that MySQL database management system gives users an opportunity to choose what they can use best in terms of operating systems and programming interfaces. In addition, the cost of open source development is relatively cheaper for MySQL database management system. Users have an opportunity to save money when acquiring the DBMS.
Besides the advantages mentioned above, MySQL also faces myriad challenges. For instance, it does not give an option for backing up date during operations (Dunlap, 2006). Secondly, it also have reduced or limited trigger functionality which are critical in database management (Erickson, 2009). Thirdly, users cannot enjoy the services of online analytical processing capabilities. However, despite these setbacks, MySQL is still one of the best database management systems in the world. It is SQL compliant and extremely reliable for organizations that handle big data such as Verizon and SAGE. Its fast client architectural design makes it appealing to many users in the market.
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- Haag, S., & Cummings, M. (2013). Management information systems for the information age. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin.
