What is a Database Server ?
Your organisation typically holds a huge amount of data and information that must be effectively managed whether you’re using, storing, retrieving or updating it. By introducing a data server, you get access to the back-end infrastructure and client-facing model you need to manage all your data efficiently via a single centralised ‘hub’.
Database server definition
A data server is a type of hardware that enables you to install database software – a relational Database Management System (DBMS). This specialist database application gives you two vital capabilities – the first is the right back-end infrastructure to store all your data in organised, customisable tables. The second is client-facing services – the client being you, your employees and other stakeholders – enabling you and authorised personnel to retrieve, change or update specific files wherever and whenever you want.
What is a database server used for?
The best server examples offer several operational-critical features for an organisation to leverage. Some of the most popular database server types used today include:
Manage data better
Database servers enable you to bring all your data together whether it is from, say, critical software or email clients, creating the ultimate ‘one-stop-shop’ for your data and information storage and management needs. Ideal if you need to query information often or better manage your databases using a reliable network system.
Scale with ease
For small organisations, a file server solution may be the best fit for the company’s systems at this time. However, as the business expands, a flexible data server storage solution will be needed that can scale with growing data demands, in effect, future proofing the organisation.
Make data accessible
Permissions can be assigned so users can share data across multiple device types. This could be web pages, research information, Microsoft windows programmes or a new version of an application. This gives employees or stakeholders instant access to any data and information they need whether they are on the move or in the office. These features lead to boosting performance and efficiency at all levels of the network and provides the support needed to carry out a role effectively.
Backup your data
A best-of-breed example of database server is one that allows users to back up data. This crucial feature ensures that even if the worst happens – for example, the business is hacked – any data is stored in the network memory to be recovered and restored, in turn delivering vital business continuity for the company’s operations.
Boost security levels
Offering far greater protection from cyber attack and other threats, using a data server puts you in charge of your data and information. Decide exactly who can access, modify and model your valuable dataset tables, all while ensuring any risk management and data compliance requirements are met.
Gain vital insights
The right Database Management System offers you access to powerful analytics tools, enabling you to query datasets and extrapolate key metrics and insights to inform all business strategies moving forwards. From web articles and blogs to social media, each version of these marketing tools requires detailed analytics in the form of an easy-to-interpret table. Examples of using the results to improve business include improving search engine attraction on the web, understanding a customer query or why keywords make a difference.
How does a database server work?
First, it’s important to understand what ‘database’ and ‘server’ actually mean. A database is an application that lets you store your data and hold it in a memory. A server can either be hardware- or software-based, and delivers specific functionality to users. For instance, it can be deployed for web hosting, email, applications, and more.
By migrating your database systems onto a server, you create a database server, a location where all your data is now stored, and is managed via the Database Management System (DBMS) or Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Users can use both to access data quickly with a simple user interface query plus send commands that the DBMS immediately acts on (see below). Commands include accessing and retrieving data, modifying access privileges, uploading new data sets, and more.
How do you use a database server?
Using a database server offers efficient information management using a dedicated engine, ensuring optimal data storage and retrieval systems. Commands use ‘applicable programming languages’ that allow users to interact with a relational database via the DBMS. Several different language systems offer their own unique capabilities and feature sets. This diversity enables the selection of a language aligning with specific operational needs, using memory and programming features to support your overall business.
Popular examples of database server programming languages include:
MySQL
MySQL is a hugely popular solution optimised for scalability and performance, ideal for websites, e-commerce or third-party applications developed by software publishers. SQL stands for Structured Query Language i.e. it allows the manipulation of databases without the need for extensive programming knowledge.
PostgreSQL
Another SQL format, PostgreSQL focuses on processing accounting or transactional data. PostgreSQL is designed to protect the integrity of your datasets while offering excellent customisation options through database support management.
MongoDB
MongoDB lets you store and manage both structured – think numerical info – and unstructured files; these are typically files such as images, videos and social media posts.
Should you get a hosted or on-premise data server?
Simple – the bigger the organisation, the more data and information you have to store and sort through and hold in the computer memory table. And that’s where things can get costly if you intend to install, support and troubleshoot your own version of an on-premise data server. Do you have the budget to employ programming and network systems specialists? You also risk experiencing a host of other disadvantages caused by potentially unoptimised database server solutions from performance bottlenecks to security vulnerabilities.
This is why many companies are using server specialists like OVHcloud to provide cloud-based database servers that are more cost effective, friction-free and make a difference to the seamless running of the business. For instance, we enable you to sidestep installation and maintenance entirely, leaving you to focus exclusively on leveraging your rich datasets to boost your bottom lines. This saves both time and money in the long-run. Importantly, data backup options are also available to secure business continuity for the ultimate in peace of mind.
OVHcloud and Databases Server
Harness the power of your data while staying in control of all your information and systems. OVHcloud’s managed data server services support database server infrastructure administration and optimisation, including set-up, backup, scalability and security.
Take charge
All our data server solutions come with a host of benefits for databases. These enable you to take care of your database infrastructure and administration as well as access service plans that offer high-availability, automated backup and a security protection version if required.
Choose your language
OVHcloud offers access to all the popular application languages including MySQL, PostgresSQL, MongoDB, Redis and many more, and can offer guidance on selecting the right database server support to make a difference to your organisational challenges.