Freedom251 › Database Software
SAP MaxDB
What SAP MaxDB is
SAP MaxDB is a relational database management system developed and supported by SAP SE. It runs on Windows, Linux, and Unix, with self-managed deployment for desktop, laptop, medium-server, and large-server configurations. SAP positions it for SAP customers and applications, while also allowing customers’ own or third-party applications. SQL covers data definition, authorization, manipulation, queries, transactions, and statistics. Applications can connect through SQLDBC, ODBC, and JDBC interfaces. Built-in self-administering features are a stated benefit. Version 7.9.09 and later supports databases up to 32 TB. Backups can run while the database remains online and available, and restoration can use saved data and log backups, including tools from other providers. Community support is free and based on user help. A free Community License cannot be used with SAP applications; the Commercial License is available with SAP applications or SAP NetWeaver under SAP price-list terms.
Who it suits
It suits organizations needing a self-managed relational database on Windows, Linux, or Unix. It may fit SAP and third-party application deployments, provided the license matches the intended use.
What it does well
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and Unix
- Supports SQLDBC, ODBC, and JDBC interfaces
- Online backups keep databases available
- Supports databases up to 32 TB
- Includes self-administering features
What to know first
- Community License cannot be used with SAP applications
- ADO.NET, Perl, and PHP unsupported since version 7.9
- WebDAV unsupported since 7.9.09.06
- Self-managed deployment requires organizational administration
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Community License | Free of charge · Must not be used with SAP applications | Free |
| Commercial License | Under the terms and conditions of the SAP price list · Available with SAP applications or SAP NetWeaver | On request |
As maxdb.sap.com lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
SAP MaxDB combines broad operating-system support, SQL interfaces, online backup, and a free Community License. Check the Community License restriction carefully when SAP applications are involved.
Facts from SAP MaxDB's own pages
- Administration
- SAP identifies built-in self-administering features as a key benefit of MaxDB. · help.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Application interfaces
- SAP documents SQLDBC, ODBC, and JDBC interfaces for MaxDB. · help.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Community support
- SAP describes community support as free and based on mutual help among users, with replies possible from the database development team and community members. · maxdb.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Database model
- relational · maxdb.sap.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Database size
- SAP states that MaxDB version 7.9.09 and later supports database sizes up to 32 TB. · help.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Deployment options
- self-managed · maxdb.sap.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · maxdb.sap.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Intended use
- SAP says MaxDB focuses on SAP customers and applications and can also be used for customers’ own or third-party applications. · help.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Interface limitation
- SAP says ADO.NET, Perl, and PHP are no longer supported since database version 7.9, and WebDAV is no longer supported since 7.9.09.06. · help.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- License restriction
- The free Community License does not permit use of the software in combination with SAP applications. · maxdb.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Online backup
- SAP says backups can run while the database is in ONLINE operational state and available to users. · help.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- SAP lists Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Unix as available operating systems. · maxdb.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Product
- SAP MaxDB is a database management system developed and supported by SAP SE. · maxdb.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Restore and backup tools
- SAP documents restore from saved data and log backups and support for backup tools from other providers. · help.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- SAP support
- SAP says an SAP support contract provides access to its support infrastructure when MaxDB is used in an SAP solution. · maxdb.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- SQL
- SAP documents SQL for data definition, authorization, manipulation, queries, transactions, and statistics. · help.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
- SQL support
- Yes · maxdb.sap.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Target configurations
- SAP describes MaxDB as suitable for medium to large server configurations and desktop or laptop database use. · help.sap.com, 8 Oct 2026
Where SAP MaxDB stands on Freedom251
- Database Software#58 of 75