Evaluating Enterprise PostgreSQL: A Checklist for IT Leaders

The enterprise capabilities missing from the PostgreSQL solution you were just pitched? They’re either not available, or they will cost you more than you expect at 3 AM when you need them most.

As an IT leader evaluating PostgreSQL for your mission-critical workloads, you've most likely heard the familiar promises: open source freedom, lower costs, and greater flexibility. But what many vendors don’t highlight during those sales calls is that the critical enterprise capabilities you actually need are locked behind paywalls, proprietary add-ons, or hidden licensing fees, turning “open source” into an expensive commitment.

Enterprise PostgreSQL isn’t just about core database functionality—it’s about guaranteed uptime, ironclad security, comprehensive monitoring, and expert support when issues arise. The right solution should not only deliver immediate value and long-term reliability but also give you the freedom to scale, adapt, and walk away without penalties or vendor-imposed roadblocks.

This checklist will help you cut through vendor noise and evaluate PostgreSQL solutions based on your enterprise needs.