How to Choose the Right Database for Your Business
Choosing a database for your business isn’t always an easy decision, but it’s an important one! It’s best to get things right the first time around since it won’t be simple or cost effective to move to a different database later on. The good news is that databases have been around for a long time, so they have a long history to look back on.
With over two-and-a-half decades of database technology, we’ve seen many databases come and go – and a few survive. For instance, Microsoft Access was released in 1992 and has a vibrant community built around it. While it may not be for everyone, it remains a solid product with many capabilities.
So how do you go about choosing the right database for your line of work? Let’s explore in the sections below.
Define Your Goals
Define the goals that you plan to reach with the database software. Are you looking to run your business and keep on top of sales and inventory? Do you plan to do marketing research? Will you be looking to increase leads and customer engagement?
Knowing the type of information you plan to collect and how it will be organized and stored will help make your decision easier. It’s possible that you might need a basic platform and not all the bells and whistles.
Know the Databases
Databases come in many shapes and sizes, but here are the basics of what you need to know:
- Desktop: This simple solution is cost-effective and can be run on a single desktop computer. It’s ideal for individual users rather than widespread use across a company.
- Server: If you have a lot of people who will be accessing your database, a server database is best. It allows you to organize a large amount of data that can be updated and shared simultaneously. The cost is more expensive, however.
- Web-Enabled: Many database applications offer web integration combined with a desktop platform. Microsoft Access is one example. The cost is reasonable.
Determine What You Will Do with the Information
Consider how you will be accessing and using the information for your company. Start by forming a strategic plan that includes your financials and the type of software that is needed to support your goals.
Next, evaluate the type of information you want to organize and how it will be used. For example, you might be able to meet all of your needs with a simple, packaged software program rather than a custom-built solution. Some people get over their heads thinking that they need custom features, when really, everything they need is in a pre-packaged software program they can grab off the shelf.
Lastly, know how the software will protect your data. You should be using data encryption, and the software should be following the guidelines established by the PCI Security Standards Council.
If you are considering upgrading or moving to Microsoft Access, call Arkware today. We can help determine the right fit for your business.