8 Popular Database Management Tools

Any business that relies on data for its processes or planning needs a good database management infrastructure. The right tools can help businesses manage and utilize the massive amounts of data they collect. According to a survey conducted by Percona, 93 percent of large organizations had database management tools in place for their team [1]. This implies that businesses with greater data-sharing needs are increasingly recognizing the utility of database management tools in overcoming cost and complexity issues. 

Database management tools are key to getting the most out of your data. Discover more about different database management tools, how they can benefit your business, and how to choose the right ones.

What is database management?

Database management is the practice of organizing data through processes that allow for the manipulation and utilization of data throughout its lifecycle. It involves ensuring that the system used to store, manage, and access the data remains functional and secure. Database management systems include all of the software and equipment used to complete these different tasks.

Successful database management means that data stays accessible, secure, quickly retrievable, and accurate. The main objectives of database management include the optimization of data storage, privacy, security, performance, and efficiency.

What are database management tools and how are they used?

Database management tools are the different software and equipment that IT professionals utilize to successfully manage a database. Many of these tools work together to provide a varied and comprehensive toolbox to address the wide range of actions and processes that database management requires. The right database management tools give your employees the ability to be flexible with data, such as providing navigation, design, or formatting abilities that might not otherwise be possible.

Database management tools list

Database management tools have a wide range of functionalities that provide different types of value to a business. Some of these include:

MySQL

MySQL is a widely popular open-source database management system. MySQL offers an easily scalable collection of applications that are useful for every business size, from small businesses to corporate enterprises. SQL stands for Structured Query Language. This programming language retrieves, updates, deletes, and manipulates data within the MySQL relational database.

As a relational database management system (RDBMS), MySQL stores data in tables, making data manipulation faster and more flexible. MySQL allows users to download data from a wide range of applications, networks, and websites, making it very popular for IT professionals across a wide range of industries.

Aquafold Aqua Data Studio

Aqua Data Studio is a multi-platform database option that works with both SQL and JSON code. It’s an efficient tool for quickly enhancing data because it has a customizable query option that lets you create tailored queries and filters for use during data retrieval. Aqua Data Studio is a great option for people who don’t have a coding background. It’s designed to be intuitive and easy to use regardless of your IT experience. It also has an optimizer that automatically identifies opportunities for improvement within your data formats.

Oracle RDBMS

Oracle RDBMS is an object-relational database management system, which means that it incorporates the features of relational databases with the advantages of object-oriented programming. It is the most popular and widely used management system in the world. It provides the ability to store, retrieve, and organize data by type and allows the management of these different types within the same database. This software runs on most of the major platforms and supports multiple operating systems (OSs).

ManageEngine Applications Manager

ManageEngine Applications Manager allows you to monitor the performance of all your technology components, including on-premise and cloud applications and databases, servers, and websites. It’s helpful for tracking system usage to identify places where you might want to optimize for better efficiency.

DevOps

DevOps, while not technically a discrete tool, is a way of employing data management frameworks to ensure your company outpaces the competition while remaining accurate and efficient in your data management practices. Database DevOps ensures that changes to the database are in sync with the software development process, thus improving database management, enhancing flexibility, and reducing downtime. Database DevOps tools improve collaboration between teams and prevent teams from being siloed, resulting in better-quality database updates.

DBVisualizer

DBVisualizer provides customizable visualization tools that allow you to easily and efficiently sort and visualize incredibly large data sets. It connects to the most popular data sources and optimizes how that data is displayed to improve your understanding and utilization of the data.

SolarWinds SQL Sentry

SolarWinds SQL Sentry provides real-time data input so that you can monitor your connected databases as information comes in. It has advanced alerting and response capabilities for when issues pop up and allows you to monitor your databases from a single dashboard.

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code uses artificial intelligence to support you as you code, optimizing your databases with unique features such as dark mode and cross-OS support. Using the DBCode extension, you can easily manage, query, and visualize the data in your databases. Moreover, you can use this tool to work and connect with all types of databases. 

What are some common types of databases?

Common database types include a relational database, which organizes data in tables (or “relations”) of columns and rows; a NoSQL database, which is a non-relational database that stores data in a non-tabular format; a vector database, which stores data in arrays of numbers clustered based on similarity; and a cloud database, which stores data within a cloud environment.

Benefits of database management tools

Database management tools support good database management practices, which is key for creating a data infrastructure that provides your business with the most value and insights.

The tools allow your team to complete processes smoothly and efficiently. The increase in both usability and functionality means that your team can do more with the data, even if they aren’t coders or used to working with technical software. 

For many businesses, the sheer volume of data collected means that its management and utilization is a complex, often unwieldy task. Database management tools help to keep data in a usable state and ensure access to consistent, reliable data across your company.

How to choose the right database tools for your business

To choose the right database management tools for your business, consider the features that would provide the most value for your team. Think about what type of data your business collects and how you’d like to use it. User access might also be an important feature for you if your business has employees from many departments or locations who all need access to the same data. Make sure you’re using tools that align with your data set sizes to ensure you’re getting the most out of your data.

Once you make a list of your business’s needs, you can start looking at the wide range of options available. Many of the companies offering these tools provide free trial periods so you can explore them without committing your funds right from the outset.

Jobs that use database management tools

Professionals who work with data often use database management tools. Some of these roles include:

Data architect

Data architects are the professionals responsible for creating the blueprint for collecting, storing, organizing, analyzing, and maintaining a company’s data. They promote data integrity, consistency, and security by creating databases that optimize the entire data lifecycle.

Software developer

Software developers design, deploy, and maintain different types of software that meet a variety of unique needs. They meet with clients to determine what the needed features might be and then ensure the software they build remains functional. 

Data scientist

Data scientists create algorithms that analyze large data sets for insights and actionable items. They also collect data from a wide range of sources and decide how to store and organize that information so it’s accessible and valuable for analysis.

Explore database management on Coursera

Database management tools are key to a successful database management framework. Discover more about database management and sharpen your skills with Professional Certificates and courses on Coursera. For example, you might consider IBM’s Data Warehouse Engineer Professional Certificate, which will give you foundational knowledge of relational databases. You can also opt for the Meta Database Engineer Professional Certificate, which will demonstrate how to build databases from scratch using SQL and Python.