FreeBSD is a primary choice for large web sites and database operations. Many web sites use databases for storage of articles and user forums. But beyond that, FreeBSD can support DB greater than Terabyte size efficiently, making it a good choice for internal company DB operations. Combined with one of the DB that are listed here, companies have a real option to replace expensive commercial DBs with open source OS and DB software for the cost of education and training.
This article will differentiate between the Big Four DBs which have wide exposure, and another set of DBs which are newer and more specialized. The primary DBs are a general purpose design, and have been around for many years as shown by the broad software support.
All of the Big Four DB offer both open source and commercial level support from their websites and consultants for onsite support.
Of these four, Firebird may be the one with the longest history, starting development in 1983 before being sold to Borland and later released as open source as Interbase 6.0. Firebird is the open source development of Interbase 6.0 since Borland decided not to pursue that path.
The Berkeley DB claims the largest embedded distribution - "with more than 200 million deployments."
MySQL AB is the company that develops the MySQL software claims "The world's most popular open source database."
The PostgreSQL software itself had its beginnings in 1986 inside the University of California at Berkeley as a research prototype, and in the 16 years since has moved to its now globally distributed development model, with central servers based in Canada.
Without attempting to resolve who's on first, it's clear from the web sites that each one offers commercial support and has case studies to support their use in businesses.
Most of the DBs in this column have multiple support tools under FreeBSD, ranging from web driven remote administration to DB independent access through a common language interface.
PostgreSQL has the largest list of support ports in FreeBSD. While very useful, this should not be taken as implying PostgreSQL is best for all purposes.
Each of the 'Big Four' databases has a list of supporting tools on the following Links:
In addition, there is more DB information here:
Specific tools for the Six More databases are not yet listed. Those items will be added shortly.
The FreeBSD Ports list of Databases, currently 225 items, is here.
The Home Sites for the Big Four DBs are:
The Home Sites for the next Six DBs are:
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- 2003 by Bill Nicholls
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