A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)

A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is a Database Management System (DBMS) that is based on the relational model. Most database systems today are based on this type of system.

A database is a vital system for any organisation that stores mission critical information. The continual failure of a company's database system can only lead to the demise of the organisation - companies cannot do business without a working database system.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 10 open source RDBMS. Hopefully, there will be something of interest here for anyone who wants to store data in an efficient way.

There are many excellent database systems that are closed source free to download applications. Worthy of particular note are DB2 (a real heavyweight by IBM), Oracle Database 11g (developed by Oracle Corporation), MaxDB (capable of running terabyte-range data in continuous operation) and Berkeley DB (a high-performance embedded database).

Now, let's explore the 10 open source RDBMS at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.