15 Best Free & Open Source Database Management System for Windows, Mac & Linux

Database management software stores data in a manner that allows you to retrieve the necessary information whenever it is required. It becomes easy to manage data using open source DBMS. Multiple types of free open-source database software exist for storing data.

You can choose amongst them based on the kinds and sizes of data.

Explaining the Different Types of DBMS Software

The are 5 major types of databases: Relational database, operational database, database warehouses, distributed database and end-user database. Let’s have a look at the types of free and open source DBMS software available in the market:

1. Relational Database Software: These are the most common types of databases. Data tables store the data in the form of tables in a relational database. You need a unique key for each table to establish connections between them. Thus, different tables are related to one another with the help of different key fields. This type of database management software is used in the media and telecom industries.

2. Operational Database Software: An operational database software supports inventory and customer databases. It can keep a track of inventories and store details of customers. The data can be analyzed and utilized for the betterment of an organization.

3. Database Warehouse Software: Some data sets are required to be archived for a long period. These sources of information are required to analyze the data of present year in comparison of those from previous years to predict trends. This makes the process of identifying the key trends easily.

4. Distributed Database Software: The organizations that have various branch offices, regional offices, manufacturing units, distributed databases are used there. Each small group has its own database, which can be combined to form the main database of the organization.

5. End-User database Software: There are different types of users using a database. Each user has a workstation and which acts as a small database itself. It contains data in the form of word files, spreadsheets, and presentations. All these small databases together make the end user database.

Why Opt for Free Open Source Free Online Database System 

Free open source database management software gives flexibility, agility, and speed. It is extremely cost effective and has a very low maintenance cost. Let’s have a look its benefits:

• Minimize Data Redundancy

Duplicate data may create in several places in a basic file management system. This might create data redundancy causing loss of labor and space. In a free open source database management system, several files are integrated in one platform which reduces the chance of data duplicity to almost zero.

•  Sharing Of Data

In a free open source database management system, data can also be shared between multiple users of the database. All users have their own rights and they can access the database up to a particular level. Only the DBA i.e. Database Administration has the complete access of the database.

• Data Consistency

A free open source database management system controls its redundancy and duplicity which later controls data consistency. Data consistency simply means that if you are updating data in a file then all files need not to be updated again. Moreover, an open source free DBMS, the data is stored in just one database, so it becomes more consistent.

• Search Capability

Databases are used so that you get the right data at the right time, with minimum searching. There are numerous queries users may ask about the data. Search speed of an open source database is usually fast and produces quick results.

• Backup and Recovery

The backup and recovery in any open source database software is extremely easy. These days, data loss is a huge issue for all the organizations. In a traditional file system, you need to backup your data at several intervals, but if you are using an open source dbms, data is backed up automatically.

• Data Migration

In a database, there are a set of data pieces that are accessed frequently. In an open source dbms, these bits of data are stored in places that can be accessed frequently without any hassle.

Benefits of Open Source Database Management Systems for Small Businesses

Free open source database management software gives flexibility, agility, and speed. It is extremely cost effective and has a very low maintenance cost. Let’s have a look at its benefits:

• Minimize Data Redundancy

Duplicate data may create in several places in a basic file management system. This might create data redundancy causing loss of labor and space. In a free open source database management system, several files are integrated in one platform for reducing data duplicity significantly.

•  Sharing Of Data

In a free open source database management system, data can also be shared between multiple users of the database. All users have their own rights and they can access the database up to a particular level. Only the DBA i.e. Database Administration has the complete access of the database.

• Data Consistency

A free open source DBMS system controls its redundancy and duplicity which later controls data consistency. Data consistency simply means that if you are updating data in a file then all files need not to be updated again. With an open source free DBMS, the data is stored in just one database, so it becomes more consistent.

• Search Capability

Databases are used so that you get the right data at the right time, with minimum searching. There are numerous queries users may ask about the data. Search speed of an open source DBMS is usually fast and produces quick results.

• Backup and Recovery

The backup and recovery in any open source DBMS software is extremely easy. These days, data loss is a huge issue for all the organizations. In a traditional file system, you need to backup your data at several intervals, but if you are using an open source DBMS, data is backed up automatically.

• Data Migration

In a database, there are a set of data pieces that are accessed frequently. In an open source dbms, these bits of data are stored in places that can be accessed frequently without any hassle.

15 Best Free Open Source Database Management System

• MySQL
• Altibase
• SQL server
• Oracle
• MongoDB
• Cubrid
• MariaDB
• Firebird
• GraphDB
• Elasticsearch
• Airtable
• PostgreSQL
• QuintaDB
• Sonadier
• Redi

Free dbms systems like MySQL, Oracle, and Altibase are effective as well as efficient in what they do.

Let’s see what the features, pros and cons of free database management system examples are:

• MySQL (Platform: Windows, Linux, and Mac)

MySQL helps in building scalable database applications. There are different editions available for this free database management software like standard, enterprise and classic edition which helps you to build scalable database applications.

Supported Languages: SQL, C, C++, PHP, Java, Perl, Python, and Tcl.

Features:

1. MySQL database management software has a client-server architecture.
2. MySQL supports ODBC interface in this free simple database management system.
3. It supports languages like C++, Java, C, Perl, Python, PHP, and Tcl.
4. It supports full-text search, replication, triggers, transactions, full-text search, and stored procedures.

Pros:

1. It offers a variety of functionalities as compared to its competitors.
2. Variety of UI templates that can be used in this free simple database management system.
3. It can work with other DBMS software like Oracle and DB2 as well.

Cons:

1. A lot of effort and time is needed for MySQL to perform things that are done by other systems automatically.
2. Built-in support for OLAP or XML is not present.
3. With this free database software, you have to pay for additional support.

Pricing: Price is available on request.

Cloud Version: Yes

• Altibase (Platform: Linux)

Altibase is one of the best open source database software. It has 650+ clients which include 8 companies from the Fortune 500. It has deployed 6,000+ critical use cases in different industries.

Supported Languages: C, C++, PHP, all languages that support ODBC or JDBC.

Features:

1. You can get the benefits of both kinds; in-memory database as well as a disk-resident database.
2. Optimize on your scale-out without coordinator-related performance degradation.
3. Optimize on your scale-out without coordinator-related performance degradation.
4. It has relational free DBMS software. It is feature-rich software with different tools required by enterprise -grade applications.

Pros:

1. It can be used for heavy workload business systems.
2. It offers wider accessibility across various industries.
3. Altibase supports disk-resident and in-memory databases as well.

Cons:

1. In case you misconfigure, this open source database software free will slow down all data operations.

Pricing: It is available free of cost

Cloud Version: Yes

• SQL Server (Platform: Windows & Linux)

The SQL server can be used by any level of enterprise, be it small or large. SQL Server data management software free uses an enhanced data compression technique which reduces your need for more storage. SQL Server also provides reports and insights which can be accessed on windows, android, and iOS devices.

Supported Languages: Java, C++, Python, Ruby, PHP, Visual Basic, R, Delphi, and Go.

Features:

1. You can integrate SQL server with non-relational sources as well.
2. It uses row-level security, data encryption, dynamic data masking and auditing.
3. This free SQL database management software has disaster recovery option as well.

Pros:

1. SQL server is extremely stable and fast.
2. You can track and adjust various performance levels.
3. Get real-time visualization on mobile devices.
4. It works well with Microsoft products too.

Cons:

1. Its enterprise pricing might be a little expensive.
2. It can gobble multiple resources with performance tuning as well.
3. It can cause issues while importing files.

Pricing: Price is available on request.

Cloud Version: No.

• Oracle (Platform: Windows and Linux)

Oracle provides two types of solutions: on-premises and cloud-based. This free open source database management system solutions can be used by small, medium, as well as large organizations. Cloud infrastructure is also provided here. Oracle uses the standard data encryption algorithms for security purposes.

Supported Languages: Java, C, C++, COBOL, VB, PL and SQL.

Features:

1. This free DBMS Software provides features like APIs, JDBC, pre-compilers, PL improvements and SQL language improvements.
2. Content management features like text and media improvements.
3. You can use this for server management, clustering, grid computing and management.

Pros

1. Oracle sets the bar for other free open source database management system, so it is always up to date with other technologies.
2. The tools in this database management system are very robust.

Cons

1. As a query language, SQL is not being used in this free DBMS software.
2. Its default settings are not that secure.
3. An additional task of translating SQL to MongoDB queries is required.

Pricing: Prices are available on request.

Cloud Version: Yes

• MongoDB (Platform: Cross-platform)

MongoDB follows a document data-base model. You can use this for developing new apps and renewing the existing ones. MongoDB database management further provides new-age features for real-time analytics and the internet of things.

Supported Languages: C#, C, C++, Java, Ruby, Node.js, Perl, Scala, and PHP

Features:

1. This free DBMS software provides flexibility in deployment for data migrations.
2. Data is stored like JSON – like documents.
3. Mapping objects in this free open source database management system is very easy.
4. Encrypted storage engine is also present.

Pros:

1. This free simple database management system is extremely fast and very easy to use.
2. It supports JSON and NoSQL type of documents.
3. You can store any structural data easily.
4. You can write schema without any extra time.

Cons

1. As a query language, you cannot use SQL in this free DBMS software.
2. Its default settings are not that secure, For the same reason it’s advisable to look into the best MongoDB alternatives.
3. An additional task of translating SQL to MongoDB queries is required.

Pricing: Prices are available on request.

Cloud Version: Yes

Suggested Read: Best Free and Open Source ETL Tools for Data Integration

• Cubrid (Platform: Windows and Linux)

With enterprise-level features, Cubrid is a relational DBMS software. It is used as an enterprise software for web applications, and social networking. This is a free open source database management system with high scalability and data optimization.

Supported Languages: Java

Features:

1. It provides the feature for automatic volume expansion.
2. You can use databases of any size and number with this database management system.
3. Every functionality is there in this software for web services.

Pros:

1. This free database software has a three – tiered architecture structure which supports SQL syntax.
2. There are GUI tools and drivers available for languages PHP, JDBC, Python, Ruby and Pearl.
3. It has a feature of auto-failover that enables web service 24/7 online with reliability and easy operability.

Cons:

1. The manual is only available in English and Korean languages, other users need to find an alternative to read the instructions.

Pricing: Prices are available on request.

Cloud Version: No

• MariaDB (Platform: Windows, Linux and Mac)

An open source software, MariaDB relational DBMS software is compatible with MySQL. You can use it for various purposes like banking, website management, and much more. This free open source database management system is created by the same developers who have developed MySQL. Hence, it can be used as a replacement of MySQL as well.

Supported Languages: C#, C++, Java, and Python.

Features:

1. It makes use of the standard query language called MySQL.
2. This open source DBMS software uses a technology called Galera cluster.
3. It can be used on various platforms.

Pros:

1. It has high scalability and easy integration.
2. You get a real-time access to your databases.
3. It includes some core functionalities of MySQL including enhanced features like server optimization, storage engines, and patches.
4. MariaDB is a great alternative if you want to switch from MySQL.
5. This free DBMS software is easy to install and implement.

Cons:

1. There are features that are missing such as a password plugin, optimizer trace, and memcached interface.

Pricing: Prices are available on request.

Cloud Version: Yes

• Firebird (Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OS)

Firebird open source database system is easy to maintain and provides SQL features across different operating systems. Firebird database software is known for enhanced concurrency and multiple language support. The free database software of Firebird PHP provides Boolean support.

Supported Languages: Java, C++, PHP for Firebird, FireRuby

Features

1. Firebird supports dynamic SQL applications
2. It allows multiple devices to access the same database at the same time
3. Firebird open source database software alerts clients of changes in the database
4. It makes cross database transactions more secure by a two-phase commit procedure.

Pros

1. Firebird open source database software has a multi-generation architecture
2. It offers user defined functions.

Cons

1. Firebird open source DBMS does not explain what the error is in case you have a faulty syntax.

Pricing: Price is available on request at the official website

Cloud version: Yes

• GraphDB

GraphDB is an open source database software that allows organisations to manage and store their data in semantic graph database. GraphDB is quick to deploy and easy to use. It also provides a semantic similarity search tool.

Supported languages: RDF4J (java framework), SPARQL, SeRQL

Features

1. This open source database management system has an advance search tool which makes searching for finding domain objects
2. With this open source DBMS, you can easily use semantic knowledge
3. It offers powerful integration with third party apps such as Lucene and SOLR
4. The software allows merging of datasets.

Pros

1. The software offers appreciative SPARQL query building environment
2. This open source database software has built in visualizations

Cons

1. GraphDB lacks the feature of reading from relational databases

Pricing: Price is available on request

Cloud version: Yes

• Elasticsearch

Elasticsearch open source DBMS is a distributed analytics engine for different sets of data such as textual, structured, unstructured, etc. It features as a prominent part of Elastic Stack, which is an open source system that the users use for analysis and visualization of data.

Features

1. This open source database software provides protection against data loss by replacing each lost node with its replica
2. It allows for easy deployments by minimizing the requirements of port
3. Elasticsearch focusses on pull-based parsing, conversion to native types etc. for efficient usage of memory
4. Once this open source database software detects a transport error, it retires immediately

Pros

1. Elasticsearch offers dashboards that are easy to work with and create from scratch
2. You can search an indexed database containing millions of events in seconds

Cons

1. There is a steep learning curve for this open source database software.

Pricing: Price is available on request

Cloud version: Yes

5 Best Open Source Database Management Software 2020 for Your Next Project

These are the 5 best open source database management software you can use for your next project.

• Airtable

Airtable is an open source database software which is cloud-based and suitable for small teams with limited programming skills. It has features where data tables are used for displaying and capturing information, user access for the database, and file sharing capabilities. You can track the tasks with the dashboard and spreadsheets available.

Supported Languages: JavaScript

Features:

1. You can filter, rearrange and sort records in Airtable free simple database management system.
2. There is an option to link records between different tables.
3. Get functionalities like calendar management and data synchronization.
4. You can also choose the option for automatic backup.
5. You can access the unlimited data tables that have 1200 records per data base. Therefore, you can also attach a file up to 2 GB.

Pros:

1. This open source database software system is very easy to get started with.
2. Its pre-built database templates can be used for different business purposes like bug and applicant tracking.

Cons:

1. This open source database software offers limited functionalities for relational databases which makes it difficult to link records available in different tables.

Pricing: The upgrade cost is high. It has 3 paid plans: Pro, Plus, and Enterprise.

• PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is an open source DBMS which is suitable for businesses looking to accommodate NoSQL. It provides features like indexing, configuration settings, and version control.

Supported Languages: C, Python, Pearl, SQL, Tcl

Features:

1. You can create NoSQL databases with languages like JSON and Python.
2. It has user-defined types and table inheritance.
3. It has a robust locking system and a native Microsoft server version.
4. You can get point-in-time recovery as well.

Pros:

1. This opensource database software has a huge open source community which has several plugins to improve its functionality.

Cons:

1. It takes a very long time to install this free database software.

Pricing: PostgreSQL is available for free. But you have to take care of data backup yourself.

• QuintaDB

QuintaDB is an open source database management system which is cloud-based. This relational database has features like email or SMS notifications, form builder, and data export and import settings.

Supported Languages: C, C++

Features:

1. The free version of QuintaDB can create up to 5 forms, and up to 1000 records.
2. It has a web-form builder.
3. Functionalities for chart building and widgets are also available.
4. You can detect duplicate data as well.
5. It has a drag-and-drop interface.
6. You can apply conditional formatting.
7. SMS & email confirmations can also be sent with this free database software.

Pros:

1. This open source DBMS offers flexible settings.
2. It allows users to use the database collaboratively.

Cons:

1. There are very limited pre-built tools like templates and forms.
2. It takes them time to design tables using their CSS.

Pricing: QuintaDB has 6 six paid plans: Standard, Standard Express, Professional, Professional Express, Enterprise and Enterprise Express.

• Sonadier

Sonadier is a cloud-based open source database management system that is used for creating web forms and databases. It has a drag and drop interface with features like file management, data sharing and data import – export.

Features:

1. It’s free plan can store file and create forms.
2. It can do up to 10,000 submissions.
3. You can get system audit reporting with this free open source database management system.
4. Get automatic backup with Sonadier DBMS software.
5. It is possible to customize integrations.
6. Database servers and database integration modules are present.
7. Select from the multiple document templates available.
8. Manage multiple files with its advanced file management.

Pros:

1. It has a clean and simple interface which makes creating forms and databases easier.

Cons:

1. Their customer support takes a long time to fix bugs.
2. Upgradation is required to add more than 5 users.

Pricing: It has two paid plans- Team plan and enterprise plan. You can pay an additional fee if you want to use an additional feature.

• Redi

Redis is a free open source database software which has an in-memory data store structure. It can be used as a database, a message broker and a cache as well.

Supported Languages: C, C++, C#, Java, Java Script, Pearl, PHP, Python, R, Ruby

Features:

1. It supports multiple data structures like strings, sets, hashes, lists, and range queries.
2. You can use this open source database management software for bitmaps, geospatial indexes, hyper logs.
3. This online database management system good for data pieces that are frequently updated with time.

Pros:

1. This open source database management system can handle atomic operations.
2. Quick lookups are possible with this DBMS software.
3. It is widely supported in the world of IT as there are several tools built with Redis.

Cons:

1. Scaling the features of Redis open source DBMS can be expensive.
2. Redis is not suitable for all use cases. It has very simple search capabilities.
3. It doesn’t have very good native support to store data in object form.
4. You might need to build your own serialization layer over it.

Pricing: Prices are available on request.

The Latest Database Management Trends for 2020 and Next Year

The database management trends keep of changing year to year. Here are the top 3 database management trends and are also applicable for next year:

• Databases in the cloud:

Combing cloud services and existing applications is a task that every organization is looking to complete. They keep pushing their business on the cloud without weighing the requirements and results. Databases that are on the cloud are present 24 x 7 to organize and help to meet the organization’s goals.

• Databases that bridge SQL/NoSQL:

The latest databases in use are those that bridge the NoSQL and SQL, giving the best of the best capabilities offered by both. With this, you can access a NoSQL database the same way you can access as a relational database.

• Focus on security has increased:

The data stored by any organization is always at risk. It is the duty of a DBA to work hand in hand with the IT team to maintain a secure environment for the organization. DBA should join hands with IT to identify the internal weak links that could lead to data vulnerability in the future.

Conclusion

We hope this article was helpful to you. From the list of top 10 open source database software, you can use any of these confidently in 2020 and beyond.