Database Design
Creating and design databases is the foundation of any application. Web applications often need good database design to ensure speed and stability.
Hosting and Database Design
Many botlenecks can be caused by poor database design in combination with a shared or poorly structured web server. In shared server scenarios the database server may be seperate and service many calls. This slows down the response of the site.
The structure of a database is also important - we have seen many poorly designed databases that eventually crash or loose data due to what are termed referential integrity rules not being applied.
MySQL Databases
Originally I started using Oracle, MS Access, MS SQL databases and eventually MySQL. MySQL databases are available at no charge. They offer excellent speed and value. I use a variety of tools to help configure and maintain online MySQL databases efficiently. Our hosting plans include specific information on how to maintain and backup MySQL databases easily from a graphical desktop application if need be.