SAP DB

Last Updated: November 9, 2012

Definition - What does SAP DB mean?

SAP DB is an open-source, platform-independent, SQL-based database system provided by SAP for enterprises. This database can support SAP and non-SAP applications and is highly scalable. SAP DB needs less disk space than other database systems such as Oracle or Informix, and gives organizations a complete, out-of-the-box database solution. SAP DB runs successfully on installations of all sizes.

Following version 7.5, which was released in 2003, SAP DB came to be marketed as MySQL MaxDB.

Techopedia explains SAP DB

Unlike SAP DB, which is open source, MaxDB is closed source, and its source code is not available under the GNU Public License. MAxDB is based on industry standards with interfaces like SQL92, Java Database Connectivity and Open Database Connectivity. MaxDB is also cross-platform based and has been offering releases for HP-UX, IBM AIX, Linux, Solaris, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows XP.

The main features of MaxDB include:

Minimal administration is needed to run the database system, which has self-administering features. The system can adjust database size and back up log entries automatically.
MaxDB includes self-administration and development tools. Most of the tools provided are GUI-based.
Offers built-in hot backup
Good online transaction processing (OLTP) performance with fewer hardware requirements
High availability mode and fewer fault records
Software installations are fully isolated from one another
Identifies clients running commands
Multiple log partitions allow parallel log writing
Default load balancing for CPU