While you are confident about combining the different data sources you have and handling all the updates and reports related to data, you may be ideally looking for a good database management system (DBMS), which needs Business Intelligence skills the modern times.
As the selection and setup of such a comprehensive database management system involves various considerations and demands a complex installation, here in this article, we will look at some of the major factors you need to consider while making this decision.
Going through this DBMS choice and implementation tips will help you have an insightful journey through your database administration process.
How to ensure that a system you choose can handle and grow with your data and ensure optimum output for your business management?
7 Considerations to Make while Choosing DBMS
Usability
Evaluate many available DBMS and consider which one is most user-friendly from your perspective. A database system is something that all staff at your organization may need to use. So, you have to consider all their comfort while choosing the DBMS. In some organizations, the staff may be mostly IT professionals, and in some other enterprises, the majority may be marketing professionals. Their level of technical knowledge may vary largely and also their skills on data-related tasks.
So, do a primary evaluation to look at the comfort and suitability from various people’s perspectives to consider the most user-friendly DBMS for your organization. There are many DBMS systems now which offer simple drag-and-drop execution of tasks, which is a very intuitive method of dealing with databases. Whatever systems you use, ensure that it works well for everyone across the ladder.
Data visualization and reporting
While considering a DBMS, review the effectiveness of visually analyzing the data and displaying results in reports. One primary objective or goal of database management now is proper reporting of the same. Critical business decision-making is now based on data. So, the results of the queries from your data are important while making selections and deciding the segments. It is also important to check how you use the campaign results in terms of marketing data and how you feed this info back into the DBMS. In an ideal database, you will see an easily interpretable visual display, which will also help you show the selections and results to all the stakeholders for quick and easy understanding.
Security
Data security and confidentiality is an important consideration to make while choosing database systems. Along with the choice of a good DBMS, it is also important to take care of the security aspects during the time of implementation and manage the business databases. Personal information and financial data stored in a business system should be kept securely and need to adhere to all the local and international regulations related to data protection and safety. So, make sure that the database you choose has advanced security measures to protect you from any data loss or theft. For fine-tuning your database security, you can approach providers like RemoteDBA.com.
While considering data security, it is critical to consider both the physical risk related to data like loss due to fire, theft, natural calamities, and the risks related to threats like hacking and other cyber-attacks. It is also possible to get the data corrupted due to your employees’ intentional or unintentional acts or others who have access to your data. All these aspects need to be taken care of, and any system you try to implement must effectively address all these to keep your data safe to the maximum.
Functionality
You need to confirm that the modules offered at your data management and analysis tools serve the best to your unique business requirements. The need for each enterprise differs, and so the key functionalities of different databases. So, while making a choice, you need to ensure that DBMS offerings are fine-tuned to match your priority business objectives to ensure excellent sync. Some of the major general functionality or database modules every should look for include, but not limited to:
- Filtration and extraction of data.
- Analysis and insight into data
- Modeling and segmentation of data.
- Automation of database tasks.
- Data-based forecasting
- Visualization of data analysis results in easy-to-understand graphics.
- Best campaign planning and management of ROI management.
Support
Support services are inevitable when you think of loading your data onto a shared service DBMS. So, make sure that your database system comes from a known and reliable provider who ensures dedicated support to the clients. There are many freeware DBMS too, but many have a dedicated support community that ensures continuous development and support. Based on your needs, you may also look for paid premium packages with dedicated customer support and remote administration services.
Integration
A database is not a standalone entity. You may already be running on various software and operating systems, which need to be further integrated with your new database while you move on to one. It is essential to consider that the DBMS you consider can be integrated with the existing tools and software you use. Check whether the system in consideration can also be integrated with the marketing platforms and CRM systems you use. Many modern-day DBMS is simply plug-and-play, which you can effectively integrate with other leading marketing, administration, and IT tools.
Scalability
The database is an ever-growing asset for an organization, so it is important to make sure that the DBMS you choose can scale up to accommodate the growing volume as your enterprise grows. While considering this, you may also need to keep in mind the changing nature of data from structured database formats to unstructured data. So, ensure that you consider unconventional DBMS systems, too, which can effectively handle unstructured or semi-structured data too. The NoSQL and NewSQL databases are now focused on these needs.
Along with all these, you may also have to consider the cost involved in purchasing and migrating to the new database and the suitability of the services they provide. Evaluate your needs against offering a good DBMS system you are considering and then make a final decision.
