SQL server hosting
Sites big and small on the Internet depend on databases. Sites like Google and Yahoo! use them to store information like URLs, user preferences and information, and more.
Databases are vital to many of the sites you use daily. If you have any type of complex features on your site, you'll need a database to store and manage the information. But, not all databases are created equal.
Choosing a database platform to use for your company is a big decision. When choosing a database platform you consider scalability, speed and cost.
Two of the major database platforms available are Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL,
SQL Server - is the database platform that has been developed and distributed by Microsoft. SQL Server has also been around for a long time, and is backed by Microsoft. Most of Microsofts products depend on SQL Server to function; some Microsoft products have almost been built around SQL Server. SQL Server was developed for large companies and enterprise level applications. SQL Server has now started to enter the small business market, targeting smaller customers.
Pros - Proven, scalable, stable, easily integrates with Microsoft products, large supporting features like management, monitoring, backup, training, etc.
Cons - Expensive, works only on Windows web hosting and a service contract is required to be supported by Microsoft.
MySQL - is an open source project that has been around for quite a while. MySQL can run on both Windows and Linux operating systems. Normally MySQL is used on a Linux platform such as Red Hat Linux or CentOS. MySQL started as a fairly small software project, but has now reached enterprise level and commercially supported database platform.
Pros -Lightweight, fast, easy to install, and easily accessible.
Cons - Tougher to scale lacks some advanced features compared to SQL, and smaller supporting software features like backup, management, monitoring, training, etc.
The choice between MySQL and SQL Server is a difficult one, but you can use both if necessary.