Every company needs a database.

Whether it’s kept on the premises or off site, locally managed or handled by a third-party, businesses need a reliable, searchable and adaptable database to handle the constant influx of information.

But databases don’t store, manage and analyze this information on their own. The right database software system — also called a database management system (DBMS) — is critical to maximize performance and minimize IT headaches.

Here’s a look at 10 of the best systems available for business professionals:

1. Oracle. No surprise here. Oracle has been making database products since 1979 and is one of the most well-recognized manufacturers worldwide. Worth noting about this database management system: It’s powerful but complex. New users will want to invest in solid training to ensure they’re getting the most from the software. Oracle also is embracing the cloud. Its latest release, 12c, allows companies to consolidate and manage databases as cloud services.
2. Microsoft SQL Server. Love it or hate it, Microsoft’s DBMS is one of the most popular in the world. It’s also one of the most enduring. Server 2008, 2012 and 2014 are still widely used even after the release of Server 2016. The SQL stands for “structured query language,” and although Microsoft was late to the database management party, this DBMS — which sports native BI tools links with other popular Microsoft offerings such as Excel, Word and SharePoint — grabs a well-earned top spot.
3. MySQL. An open-source alternative to Microsoft’s offering that still uses structured query language, MySQL has gained traction as the go-to DBMS for web-based business applications, especially those running e-commerce sites or leveraging dynamic content. Tech enterprises such as Facebook, Google and Adobe use this database management tool. Although it now falls under the Oracle umbrella, the project remains an open-source resource.
4. PostgreSQL. You probably haven’t heard much about PostgreSQL, but this open-source object-relational DBMS shows up in a lot of places — for example, online gaming apps, database automation tools and domain registries. Enjoying 25 years with an active, engaged community, PostgreSQL runs on a host of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Solaris and now Mac OS X.
5. Microsoft Access. Think of it like a lighter-weight version of SQL Server and you’re not far off. This desktop database application is quickly finding use as a database for e-commerce sites and content management systems. While it doesn’t offer the depth of features found in SQL proper, Access comes standard with the Microsoft Office Suite and is easy to get up and running.
6. Teradata. If you’re dealing with big data, Teradata is the very large database (VLDB) system for you. Credited with creating some of the original warehouses, Teradata also rolled out the very first terabyte database for Wal-Mart almost 25 years ago. Today, Teradata version 15.10 is a great choice for companies looking to handle high-volume big data, BI and the Internet of Things (IoT).
7. IBM DB2. No surprise that IBM makes the list with its DB2 Universal Database (UDB) Enterprise Server Edition. Designed for high-load, high-availability enterprise workloads, DB2 is used by several global corporations to help improve database performance and lower costs.
8. Informix. Another offering from IBM, Informix often is used by educational institutions, but recently made the jump to corporate databases. Described as an “intelligent database,” the solution integrates well with SQL, JSON and spatial data and often ranks first in terms of customer satisfaction.
9. SAP ASE. Originally known as Sybase, SAP’s Adaptive Server Enterprise is designed to handle high-performance, transaction-based applications — such as those used in banking and finance — and support thousands of concurrent users.
10. Amazon’s SimpleDB. Looking for a solid DBMS starting point? Amazon’s offering comes free with an EC2 deployment and provides the ability to store and query data items via web services requests along with true cloud integration.