Benefits of databases
How to choose a database supplier
Guide
For many businesses, a relational database management system (RDBMS) can be a large investment. For that reason, it is important to choose your database supplier carefully - the wrong one could be very expensive and might even put your business at risk.
Questions to ask potential database suppliers
Before implementing a solution based on RDBMS technology, you might find it useful to ask any potential suppliers these nine key questions:
- How long has the supplier been established?
- What are the specific costs associated with its product - ie is there a one-off purchase price, an annual renewable licence, a charge per user, etc?
- How much is charged for technical support?
- Does the supplier provide consultancy and, if so, at what rates?
- Is the system scalable? If you suddenly increase your product line by 200 per cent could the system grow automatically to cope with the expansion?
- Can the supplier recommend any third-party developers that make use of their RDBMS?
- Is there an active independent user group?
- Can the supplier provide references for businesses in your industry sector using their software?
- Does the supplier offer training in the RDBMS and, if so, at what typical cost?