Firebird

Firebird is an open source database and has its origins from Interbase when the Interbase developers at Borland opened up its source code in July 2000. Open source means that anyone can look at the programming which makes the database work and then make improvements.

Why use Firebird?

With other database management systems, like Oracle, SQL Server and MS Access, you purchase a licence to be able to use the product. There is no need to purchase a licence with Firebird. Because of this you can install it on as many machines as you wish.

Firebird is small enough to be installed on a standard PC and used as a desktop database but is powerfull enough to be used as a server database. It is also sufficiently secure to be used for database driven websites.

Firebird can be installed on both the Windows and Linux operating systems. Just choose the right installer. There are also versions for the Mac OS X and Solaris operating systems.

Firebird also uses International standards for its querying language. Microsoft uses their own version.

Firebird Caution

Firebird is a command-line only database. That means that it doesn't come with its own console to manage the database, but there are some free consoles that connect with Firebird to allow you to manage the databases and not have to remember command-line instructions.

Additional

Firebird is a database management system only. There are no tools to create user interfaces (forms) or reports like Microsoft Access. These have to be created separately using special programming software like VB.net or C# and these programs are then installed on the indivual's PC. It does come with its own console to manage all the databases and users for those databases.