Evaluating Your Needs |
Questions Answered
1. Shared, Dedicated or Colocation?
2. UNIX or Windows Operating System?
3. Choosing the right Database?
4. MultiMedia Support
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3. Choosing the right Database |
Due to the growing demand for dynamic Web content, databases are
becoming increasingly important in the creation and storage of interactive content. The database
technology you choose to use may affect your choice of host.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using a particular database software. You should have
some idea of what you'll want to store in your database before you can decide which database solution
suits your needs. |
MS SQL
Microsoft database offering which is typically confined to use with ASP pages on a Windows server,
but can also run on Unix (plus variants) and Apple systems. Optionally, you can use MS ACCESS but
it does not scale well and would not be recommended for larger applications.
Advantages:
· Relational databases make data management easier.
· Supports image data type.
· MS SQL allows access across servers hosting the same databases.
Disadvantages:
· Created for use primarily in a Windows environments (ODBC support required)
· Software licences needed to edit and use these databases (costly)
MySQL
Current versions of MySQL are optimal for use on Unix platforms, however, MySQL can
also be built to work with most newer systems simply by compiling the source code. The performance of
MySQL is greatly affected by performance of the system. Meaning the overall stability of the operating
system and multithreading support can greatly affect quality.
Advantages:
· FREE! Since the software is open source it's free to use and widely available!
· It's a widely used database meaning it is well tested and documented
· Excellent online support for most features
· Offers various sizes of text and binary data types (optimized database design)
· Relational database makes data management easier
Disadvantages:
· Potentially difficult for beginners or those unfamiliar to UNIX
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