This paper proposes criteria for the optimal choice of a database management system (DBMS), based on the requirements to this system. Empirically assessed criteria and method of analytic hierarchy process for decision making were used to carry out the comparative analysis of several DBMSs, implementing relation data model and having similar functionalities. The obtained matrixes of pair-wise comparison are examined for concurrence by calculating indices described in the article. As a result, the database management system for the own project is rationally chosen.
Keywords: DBMS, method of analytic hierarchy process, criteria, matrixes of pair-wise