In today's data-driven world, the management of databases has become increasingly complex and critical. The following are findings from Redgate's 2025 The State of the Database Landscape report.
Rising Concerns Over Data Security
One of the most significant findings of the report is the growing concern over data security and access controls. With 38% of IT teams expressing worries about managing different technologies securely, this marks a notable 12% increase from the previous year, exacerbated as new regulations come putting increased pressure to ensure sensitive data is secured.
Interestingly, 21% of respondents are hesitant to adopt more than one database type due to security and compliance issues, despite the potential advantages that multi-platform environments can offer.
Adoption of Multi-Platform Database Environments
Flexibility, cost savings, and the need to serve diverse use cases are driving nearly three-quarters (74%) of IT teams to use two or more database platforms. A notable 25% of respondents are managing more than four database platforms, a trend that underscores the need for robust database management strategies to ensure data consistency, security, and compliance.
The report also highlights the growing preference for versatile and scalable database solutions, reflecting the evolving demands of modern data-driven applications and the need for robust data management strategies.
Challenges in Database Management
The complexity of managing multiple database platforms is a significant challenge for IT teams. The report highlights that 68% of teams do not have formal processes in place to share best practices, increasing the likelihood of human error and security vulnerabilities. This lack of formal processes can exacerbate the risks associated with managing complex database environments.
The Importance of Testing and Security Practices
The proliferation of database types and the pressure to deliver applications and services swiftly make testing a core component of modern database management. However, 71% of organizations still rely on manual methods to create test data, a time-consuming and high-risk strategy. This has led to 25% of IT leaders expressing concern about the pressure on their teams to manage test data effectively.
Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining. Organizations are becoming more aware of data security measures, with only 14% now lacking an approach for handling sensitive data, a significant decrease from 35% in 2023. This growing awareness is a positive sign that organizations are taking steps to improve their data security practices.
Addressing the Skills Gap
One of the most surprising findings from this year's survey is the ongoing skills gap. The report notes that 44% of data professionals would like professional development opportunities to be provided weekly or monthly, but two-thirds (67%) cite lack of time as the main barrier to participating in training. Organizations need to prioritize professional development and recognize that the skills gap is a critical challenge. Ensuring that the right people are in place to manage data securely and compliantly in an increasingly complex and diverse technology estate is essential for data protection and business success.
The Impact of AI Adoption
Security concerns continue to shape business practices as organizations consider the benefits of AI adoption. While 69% plan to adopt AI capabilities in the next two years, concerns about AI usage in database management have risen sharply. 61% of respondents now cite data security and privacy as key concerns, up from 41% in 2023. This highlights the need for organizations to carefully consider the security implications of integrating AI into their database management processes.
Conclusion
As organizations navigate the complexities of multi-platform database environments, the emphasis on data security, compliance, and professional development remains paramount. By addressing these challenges head-on, organizations can better manage their data and ensure that they are well-positioned to succeed in an increasingly complex and data-driven world.