> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://functional.gitbook.io/database_comparison_report/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://functional.gitbook.io/database_comparison_report/how-to-choose-a-database-management-system.md).

# How to choose a database management system

Apart from the options described in the post, there are a large number of database management systems out there. Each of them is good in its own way, having some drawbacks as well. Though we haven’t covered even a third of all databases, we tried to compare those commonly used for both small web applications and big data warehousing systems.

So, how do you choose the right one for your own software application?

<figure><img src="/files/q0b9DqJJoYKJyZ5ElqwD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**If you are just starting a local eCommerce business**, databases like MySQL can be a sensible jumping-off point that will also work well for web-based BI tools and OLTP systems.

**In case you are striving to build an eCommerce giant** with a complete buyer journey for your customer, you may go with Cassandra. To complement it with a powerful search engine, you may also attach the Elasticsearch database solution.

Speaking of Cassandra, it’s also a pretty respectable option for data centers and real-time analytics with oceanic volumes of data.

**When speaking of analytic tools** without multiple data layers, it may be reasonable to opt for NoSQL databases like MongoDB. It also performs well for product catalogs.

**Following up on the scope of data warehousing applications**, MSSQL is also worth a mention, especially for companies with a number of other Microsoft subscriptions.

In terms of building an OLTP solution and data warehousing applications, Oracle is a good choice as well.

**IoT applications and microservice architecture** that tend to scale their data hosting will summarize our list of best use cases with Redis.

Sure, there are more database systems to consider. It all depends on your business model and your business needs.

Which one do you use? Please share your ideas with us.