DBArtisan vs. dbForge Studio (Edge)

DBArtisan is functional and suitable for any sized organization that needs to monitor its database resources and running queries.

Incentivized

This tool is useful for small and large IT departments and associated data analysts that perform direct database functions such as DBA tasks or extracting/importing data. Non-technical staff members would not benefit from this tool as much as the functions are detailed and technical. However, automation engineers will find this tool very open for automation, and can generate the scripting code for any of its functions.

Incentivized

• User interface is easy to use, and in some ways better than Toad. The left hand side shows all databases, and you can drill down to instance, storage, schemas, tablespaces, and performance views. The right hand side displays the details of the selected object.
• This is the best tool if you want to manage multiple RDBMS platforms in a single tool using the same familiar interface. Other third party tools can do it also, but it's not nearly as integrated as this, and may require additional plug-ins installed. DBArtisan excels at this, and can perform cross-platform data migrations easily.
• It has different DB analysts, which can help diagnose issues with performance, optimize storage, detect fragmentation, and plan for capacity growth. For almost any action you want to take, you can generate the DDL for preview, and/or schedule it to run at a specific time.

Incentivized

• Connection manager (we use it through ssh tunnels) works effortlessly.
• Great sync tools for both database schemas and data.
• Storing code snippets to be used when needed.
• Nice code suggestions while typing queries.
• Usually does very well with storing your session and opening all of your sql tabs when opening the apps next time.
• Does very well when executing large sql files (without opening the files into the application that is).
• Pretty good debugging help when a problem occurs in executing a query or a files with multiple queries.

Incentivized

• Locks up far too often
• Licensing structure is expensive

Incentivized

• The ability to parameterize searches more would be advantageous. For example, being able to specify to only look for certain columns, certain data type changes, etc.
• The output reports from dbForge are very plain and could contain more detail, and perhaps be structured more like a pivot table form Excel

Incentivized

dbForge Studio (Edge) has a great UI and it's versatile, but it still has some glitches. Its multiple database support makes it possible to stick with only one UI to handle different RDBM systems, even though you have to redefine user credentials for each new connection (no copying/cloning feature for database connections). The Edit View and diagramming features also could be improved.

I have never tried their support so the number above is meaningless

Incentivized

Although experience here is limited, as only one question has been asked and answered promptly, the registration and licensing process was very smooth and professional. There are forums online that discuss dbForge issues, as well as a Facts and Questions section on dbForge's website, so product support does seem to exist if needed.

Incentivized

DBArtisan does not have an in-depth performance analyzer for databases.

Incentivized

Before choosing dbForge Studio I evaluated at least a dozen tools, especially on the Visual Query Builder function. For now, I have identified only one product that has a better Visual Query Builder than dbForge Studio. This other product also manages UNIONs, while dbStudio still doesn't do it visually. However, the better alternative product is enormously slower in operations and less feature-rich than DbForge Studio

• It has a positive ROI on our organization. It's better than OEM and SQL Developer. Although the license could be expensive, it is perfect for large organizations, especially with multiple RDBMS platforms.
• Most features are redundant between DBArtisan and Toad. I would not recommend using both if you already own one of them. Just download the trial for the one you're not using, and see what works best for your organization.
• DBArtisan is great for DBAs and would be my personal preference. Toad is good for developers and DBAs alike but I feel like sometimes the interface is too busy and too clumsy to use.

Incentivized

• Saved a TON of time when looking at massive amounts of parent/child data by allowing us to just use the master-detail browser.
• Very little training time needed for employees that are already used to using SQL Management Studio. This is a proper Windows UI application.
• Very cost effective to purchase the standard edition for every employee that needs it, but the free edition does most of what they need too!

Incentivized