Database Comparison of SQL Server 2000, Access, MySQL, DB2, and Oracle

IntroductionThis root word result compare and contrast five unlike database management systems on six criteria. The database management systems (DBMS) that leave be discussed are SQL Server 2000, Access, MySQL, DB2, and Oracle. The criteria that lead be compared are the systems functionality, the requirements that must be met to sound the DBMS, the expansion capabilities if it is qualified to expand to handle more data over time, the types of companies that typically practise each one, the normal usage of the DBMS, and the costs associated with implementing the DBMS.System functionalityMicrosoft Access is a database engine and development environment in one package. It is typically workstation-based, and designed to be easy to use, even for users with no experience. However, it also provides advanced functionality for experienced users. MySQL is the largest open-source RDMBS, and it is server-based, as well as the rest of the DBMS that will be discussed. According to the mys ql.com website, it offers high reliability and performance, easy use and deployment, license from platform lock-in by providing ready access to source code, and cross-platform support. SQL Server is an attempt class RDBMS from Microsoft. It is part of the Back Office Suite of products. Although it is always server-based in production, it can be client-based in development. DB2 is also an enterprise-class DBMS, produced by IBM. It offers almost object-oriented functionality, as well as cross-platform compatibility, and is server-based. Finally, Oracle offers much of the same functionality as DB2, with cross-platform capability, and some object-oriented features. It, as well, is server-based.System RequirementsThere is a correlation between the complexity of the DBMS and the system requirements. For instance, Access can be installed on some(prenominal) Windows-based operating system from Windows 95 and above. SQL Server, in the astrayly used meter and Enterprise editions, is als o strictly Windows-based, but must be run on Windows NT or 2000 Servers. The personal and development editions of SQL Server may be run on Windows NT Workstation, and Windows 2000 and XP Professional, in addition to the server platforms. MySQL has a wide variety of platforms, including the Windows platforms, Sun Solaris, FreeBSD, Mac OS X, and HP-UX, to list a few. DB2 will run on Windows NT 4 and higher, Sun Solaris, HP-UX and Linux.... ...nThis paper was written to collection the similarities and differences in five different databases. It compared Access, MySQL, SQL Server, DB2, and Oracle in six different areas. It found many similarities in functionality, but large diversity in pricing. ReferencesChigrik, Alexander, Oracle 9i Database vs DB2 v8.1 (n.d.), retrieved April 6, 2005, from http//www.mssqlcity.com/Articles/ equal/oracle_vs_db2.htmChigrik, Alexander, SQL Server 2000 vs Access 2000 (n.d.), retrieved April 6, 2005, from http//www.mssqlcity.com/Articles/Compare/sql_serv er_vs_access.htmChigrik, Alexander, SQL Server 2000 vs DB2 v8.1 (n.d.), retrieved April 6, 2005, from http//www.mssqlcity.com/Articles/Compare/sql_server_vs_db2.htm Chigrik, Alexander, SQL Server 2000 vs MySQL version 4.1 (n.d.), retrieved April 6, 2005, from http//www.mssqlcity.com/Articles/Compare/sql_server_vs_mysql.htm Chigrik, Alexander, SQL Server 2000 vs Oracle 9i (n.d.), retrieved April 6, 2005, from http//www.mssqlcity.com/Articles/Compare/sql_server_vs_oracle.htmMySQL Licensing form _or_ system of government (n.d.), retrieved April 6, 2005, from the MySQL company website http//www.mysql.com/company/legal/licensing/