Server

/ˈæp-tʃi/

n. “The web server that started the modern web.”

Apache, formally known as the Apache HTTP Server, is a free, open-source web server software that serves web content over the HTTP and HTTPS protocols. It has been one of the most popular web servers since the mid-1990s and is widely deployed for hosting websites, web applications, and APIs.

/ˌɑːr-diː-biː-ɛm-ˈɛs/

n. “The structured brains behind your data tables.”

RDBMS, or Relational Database Management System, is a type of database software designed to store, manage, and retrieve data organized in tables of rows and columns. It enforces relationships between these tables through keys, constraints, and indexes, allowing for structured, consistent, and efficient data operations.

Core features of an RDBMS include:

/ˌnoʊ-ˈɛs-kjuː-ˈɛl/

n. “The database that doesn’t do relational the traditional way.”

NoSQL refers to a broad class of database management systems that diverge from the traditional relational model used by systems like MySQL or PostgreSQL. Instead of enforcing strict table structures, foreign keys, and joins, NoSQL databases store data in more flexible formats such as key-value pairs, documents, wide-column stores, or graphs.

/ˌmaɪ-ˈɛs-kjuː-ˈɛl/

n. “The database that made the web practical.”

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) used to store, organize, and retrieve structured data using SQL (Structured Query Language). It is widely deployed across web applications, content management systems, and enterprise systems due to its speed, reliability, and ease of use.

/ˌpoʊst-ɡrɛs-ˈkjuː-ɛl/

n. “The database that refuses to cut corners.”

PostgreSQL is an open-source, enterprise-grade relational database management system (RDBMS) known for its correctness, extensibility, and strict adherence to standards. It uses SQL as its primary query language but extends far beyond basic relational storage into advanced indexing, rich data types, and transactional integrity.

/ˌɛs-kjuː-ɛl ˈsɜːrvər/

n. “Where data goes to become serious.”

SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft, designed to store, organize, query, and safeguard structured data at scale. It sits quietly behind applications, websites, and business systems, answering questions, enforcing rules, and remembering things long after humans forget them.

/ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/

n. “Where your mail, calendars, and contacts meet.”

Exchange, short for Microsoft Exchange Server, is a messaging and collaboration platform that provides email, calendaring, contact management, and task scheduling for organizations. It is widely used in enterprises and integrates tightly with Microsoft Outlook, allowing a seamless experience across desktop, web, and mobile clients.