Comparing MySQL, PostgreSQL and SQL Server

How do open source database management systems, like MySQL or PostgreSQL compare to proprietary databases, like SQL Server? Get both sides of the story.

As open source database management systems have matured to provide greater features and functionality, they've become significant forces for their proprietary counterparts to contend with in the database arena. Not simply toys for hobbyists or tools to address non-mission-critical business needs, MySQL and PostgreSQL databases have become legitimate options for cost savings in the enterprise. But how do they really stack up against proprietary databases like SQL Server? Will switching to an open source database ultimately save you money?

In this special report, and editors team up to bring you both the pros and cons of investing in MySQL, PostgreSQL or SQL Server databases. Read the opinions of industry experts then .hPwfcbzFvsc.0@.1dd09692!action=postFirst&setContentUrl=1>Sound Off! to share your own.

For those of you working with both open source and proprietary databases, stay tuned for an upcoming special report on how to integrate and work with such mixed systems under the same roof.

Beware proprietary vendors bearing free software. MySQL AB CEO Marten Mickos warns users to watch out for vendor lock-in strategies and overpriced service organizations.

How can you move from the oligarchy of commercial databases to the democracy of open source? More specifically, how can you move from Microsoft's SQL Server to MySQL? The migration is relatively straightforward, but it must be accomplished with a well-structured plan.

SQL Server offers more robust features at a lower price point than competing database management systems, making its growing popularity no surprise to contributor Adam Machanic. In this column, he details the advantages of using SQL Server over other proprietary and open source options.

Your decision to upgrade to SQL Server 2005 may come down to upgrade cost and time versus business improvement and competitive advantage. Edgewood Solutions' Jeremy Kadlec walks you through 10 steps to help you determine if an immediate upgrade is right for your organization.

Is OS database PostgreSQL ready to replace Microsoft's SQL Server in the enterprise? Web application developer and author W. Jason Gilmore tackles the question in this column.

Learn how PostgreSQL matches up to other commercial database systems, why it's suitable for large- and small-scale enterprises and how it offers admins and users more control.
This was first published in June 2006

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