Best Database Management Systems (DBMS) & New Technologies

As teams aim to move faster and build smarter systems, choosing the right data technology becomes more important than ever. That’s why this guide explores the best Database Management Systems (DBMS) and new technologies that help developers, startups, and companies store, manage, and use data efficiently. And because data systems rarely live in isolation, we’ll also touch on how tools like Monkedo help teams integrate these databases with the rest of their software stack through no-code automation.

In this post, we’ll look at two major categories shaping the modern data ecosystem. First, the classic Database Management Systems (DBMS), the engines that reliably store and query data at scale such as MySQL, MSSQL, MongoDB, DynamoDB, Firebase DB, FaunaDB, and KVdb. Then, we’ll explore the growing world of Database Platforms / Builders, including Baserow, NocoDB, Supabase, and Rockset, which add powerful APIs, UI layers, and automation on top of traditional databases.

Whether you’re building a new product, modernizing an old system, or simply learning how database technologies work, this overview will help you understand the strengths of each tool and how they fit into today’s fast-moving developer environment. And as you’ll see, having the right automation platform, like Monkedo No-Code Automation Software, ensures all these systems can work seamlessly together.

What is Database Management System (DBMS)?

A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that stores, organizes, and manages data so applications and users can access it quickly and reliably. Instead of keeping information in basic files or spreadsheets, a DBMS provides structure, security, consistency, and powerful querying capabilities. It ensures that data is stored safely, can be retrieved efficiently, and stays accurate even when many users or systems interact with it at the same time. In short, a DBMS is the backbone that keeps modern applications running smoothly and data-driven decisions possible.

Most Popular Databases

Databases come in different types, each designed for specific use cases. Let’s take a closer look at these types, ranked from the most widely used to the least common.

Relational DBMS (RDBMS)

Relational database management systems store data in structured tables with rows and columns, making them ideal for applications that require strong consistency, clear data relationships, and complex queries. They use SQL (Structured Query Language) and are widely used in finance, ERP, CRM, and most business software.

Document Databases

Document databases store data in flexible, JSON-like documents instead of tables. This makes them ideal for modern applications that deal with varied or evolving data structures, such as mobile apps, real-time APIs, and microservices.

Key-Value Databases

Key-value stores save information as simple key → value pairs and are optimized for speed. They’re commonly used for caching, sessions, metadata, and scenarios where extremely fast reads and writes are needed.

Wide-Column Databases

Wide-column databases store data in tables but allow each row to have different columns, making them perfect for massive-scale systems. They’re often used for analytics, event data, IoT, and high-volume applications.

Graph Databases

Graph databases specialize in storing and querying relationships. Instead of tables, they use nodes and edges, making them ideal for social networks, recommendation systems, fraud detection, and network analysis.

Time-Series Databases

Time-series databases are designed for data that changes over time, such as metrics, logs, and sensor readings. They excel in monitoring, IoT, analytics, and observability tools.

Search Databases (Search Engines)

Search-oriented databases are optimized for full-text search, indexing, and analyzing large amounts of log or event data. They power search bars, analytics dashboards, and log monitoring systems.

NewSQL / Distributed SQL Databases

NewSQL systems combine the reliability and SQL structure of traditional relational databases with the horizontal scalability of NoSQL. They’re used when companies need both strong consistency and global scale.

The Best Database Management Systems

Choosing the right database is critical for building reliable, scalable, and high-performing applications. Database Management Systems (DBMS) are the core software that store, organize, and manage data, allowing developers and companies to build apps, dashboards, and services efficiently. The systems below are some of the best and most widely used DBMS today, covering both relational (SQL) and non-relational (NoSQL) databases.

MySQL

MySQL is one of the most popular relational database management systems (RDBMS). It stores data in structured tables and uses SQL for querying and managing information. Known for its reliability, performance, and ease of use, MySQL powers thousands of applications, including e-commerce platforms, content management systems, and enterprise tools.

MSSQL (Microsoft SQL Server)

MSSQL is a relational DBMS developed by Microsoft. It is widely used in enterprise environments and integrates well with the Microsoft ecosystem. MSSQL offers strong security, transactional consistency, and advanced analytics, making it ideal for business applications that require reliable structured data management.

MongoDB

MongoDB is a document-oriented NoSQL database. Instead of tables, it stores flexible JSON-like documents, which makes it perfect for applications that need to handle varied or evolving data structures. MongoDB is popular in web and mobile apps, real-time analytics, and scalable cloud systems.

DynamoDB

Amazon DynamoDB is a fully managed key-value and document NoSQL database. It is designed for high performance at scale, supporting extremely fast reads and writes across distributed environments. DynamoDB is commonly used in cloud-native applications, gaming platforms, and real-time analytics.

Firebase DB

Firebase Database (including Realtime Database and Firestore) is a cloud-hosted NoSQL database. It allows developers to store and sync data in real-time across clients, making it perfect for mobile apps, chat apps, and collaborative platforms. Firebase also integrates with authentication and cloud functions for seamless app development.

FaunaDB

FaunaDB is a globally distributed, serverless NoSQL database that provides strong consistency, real-time queries, and built-in security features. It is designed for modern applications that require a flexible schema and worldwide scalability, such as SaaS products and APIs.

KVdb

KVdb is a simple key-value database designed for fast and lightweight storage. Each piece of data is stored as a key → value pair, making it extremely efficient for caching, metadata, and simple real-time applications. It is ideal for small apps or services that need high-speed data access without complex schema requirements.

The Best Database Platforms / Builders

While Database Management Systems (DBMS) form the backbone of data storage, Database Platforms / Builders are designed to make working with databases easier, faster, and more accessible. Unlike DBMS, which focus on storing, querying, and managing data directly, these platforms provide additional layers like user interfaces, APIs, automation, and app-building tools. They allow teams to create dashboards, internal tools, or custom applications without writing extensive backend code, making them ideal for companies that want speed and flexibility while still relying on robust underlying databases.

Baserow

Baserow is an open source no-code database platform that provides a spreadsheet-like interface on top of a PostgreSQL database. It allows users to create tables, forms, and views easily, while also supporting automation and team collaboration. Baserow is perfect for building internal tools, project trackers, and lightweight apps without deep programming knowledge.

NocoDB

NocoDB turns any existing SQL database, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MSSQL, into a smart spreadsheet-style interface. Users can manage, visualize, and automate data without writing SQL queries, while still leveraging the power of the underlying relational database. NocoDB is ideal for teams that want to modernize existing databases and create internal tools quickly.

Supabase

Supabase is a developer-friendly platform built on top of PostgreSQL that provides a full backend as a service. It offers real-time APIs, authentication, storage, and serverless functions, making it easy to build scalable apps rapidly. Supabase is especially popular for startups and developers who want the reliability of SQL combined with modern cloud features.

Rockset

Rockset is a real-time analytics platform that connects to various data sources and provides fast querying capabilities using SQL. While not a traditional DBMS, it allows teams to run analytics, dashboards, and data-driven applications with low latency. Rockset is designed for scenarios where quick insights from large and diverse datasets are critical.

Real-Time Data Transfer and Automation

In today’s fast-paced business environment, data doesn’t stay in one place. It moves across apps, tools, and teams constantly. Integrating your databases and platforms with other software is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. Without integration, teams spend hours manually exporting, importing, or syncing data, which slows down processes, increases errors, and makes it hard to act on real-time information. Automation ensures that data flows seamlessly between systems, updates instantly, and triggers workflows automatically, helping teams focus on higher-value work rather than repetitive tasks.

This is where Monkedo comes in. Monkedo is a no-code automation platform that allows you to connect your databases and platforms to over 400 apps effortlessly. Its flexible components, such as conditions, set named value, and iterate loops, let you create advanced workflows without writing any code. Users also benefit from real human support, making setup and troubleshooting simple and fast. With straightforward and transparent pricing, Monkedo empowers teams of all sizes to automate repetitive tasks, transfer data in real-time, and build smarter, more efficient systems.

You can find over 400 tools that Monkedo integrates with on the Integration Page. If you need additional database systems such as SQLite, MariaDB, Azure, Redis, ElasticSearch, or others, please contact us at support@monkedo.com.

Choosing the Best Database Management System

Databases are at the core of every modern digital system, but choosing the right one is only the beginning. As applications grow, teams need reliable ways to keep their data flowing between tools, platforms, and real-time processes. Traditional DBMS solutions deliver stability and structure, while modern database builders offer speed, flexibility, and user-friendly interfaces.

No matter which database technology you choose, the real value comes from how well it integrates into your overall workflow. This is where platforms like Monkedo make a difference, helping teams connect databases with over 400 apps, automate data transfers, and build smarter processes without writing a single line of code.

In the end, the best database setup is one that fits your product, scales with your needs, and connects effortlessly to the rest of your ecosystem. With the right tools and automation in place, your data becomes more than storage. It becomes a powerful foundation for innovation.