We recently discussed PostgreSQL here at the Betica Blog, which offers enterprises an open source database option to Oracle with similar performance specs. While open source software provides significant cost savings compared to proprietary applications, some companies worry about the relative lack of support. This makes it difficult to consider it as an alternative.
But what if it was possible to combine the lower cost of the open source world with the support and other features typical of commercial software? If you are considering PostgreSQL as a database solution, checking out EnterpriseDB also makes perfect sense. This company’s service offerings make the leap into open source databases an easier proposition.
EnterpriseDB formed in 2004 with the purpose of building a commercial product on top of an open source database. They chose PostgreSQL based on its active developer community and an already existing array of commercial deployments. The company currently boasts thousands of customers, from giant firms like ABN AMRO Bank and Sony to a host of smaller and medium-sized businesses.
EnterpriseDB’s main product is EDB Postgres, which comes in Developer, Standard, and Enterprise editions. All three editions include a version of PostgreSQL as well as tools to handle replication, backup and recovery, migration, and monitoring. Companies looking for the superior performance of Postgres Advanced Server need to choose the EDB Postgres Enterprise.
The Enterprise edition also provides additional functionality not offered by the other two versions. This includes additional security and performance enhancements, as well as added features suitable for your developers and/or DBAs. Full compatibility with Oracle rounds out the feature set.
Fresh software updates in addition to security alerts and fixes are also part of each package. Companies preferring to forego investing in their own on-premises data center need to check out EnterpriseDB’s Cloud DBaaS option. Postgres Plus Cloud Database offers both cost savings and seamless scalability, leveraging the Amazon EC2 platform.
One of the main selling points of EnterpriseDB, or any commercial offering built on top of an open source product, is its production-level support. This is vital for firms with mission-critical, public-facing database applications. EnterpriseDB offers premium production support for the Standard and Enterprise Editions and even includes a measure of non-production support for the Developer Edition.
The production quality support boasts a 24 x 7 service level with a response goal of one hour. Phone, email, and remote access options are all provided with an unlimited number of incidents. The company also provides a robust supply of web-accessible documentation, including PDF manuals, a knowledge base, and a software archive.
Since PostgreSQL is known for its developer community; don’t forget using it as a source for technical advice or to get any pressing questions answered.
If your organization hopes to replace its commercial proprietary database and is considering an open source solution, EnterpriseDB with its added security, performance, and support offers the best of both worlds. It is a product worthy of your consideration.
Stay tuned to the Betica Blog for future dispatches from the world of software development and QA.
Posted on June 10, 2016 | Categories Software Development | Tags Database, EnterpriseDB, PostgreSQL, Software Development