Ease-of-use is the top priority for buyers of database development software, according to new research by database tools specialist Red Gate Software.

In the survey of 300 database administrators, testers and developers from a cross-section of businesses, 65 percent put usability first when choosing tools, above other factors such as time-saving, speed and accuracy.

"I'm not hugely surprised by the results – usability is becoming more and more important nowadays," said Dominick Reed, head of usability at Red Gate. " The industry is being filled with a lot of technical tools which are getting ever more baffling, so it's nice to see people appreciate products which are easier to use."

Usability is especially important for tools which are only available via internet downloads, as a good user experience helps to build credibility for the vendor and encourage customer loyalty, added Reed.

Michael Azoff of analyst firm Butler Group agreed that database development has become increasingly complex and said that automated development tools could ease the job of database administrators.

"But automated tools can also hide things from the software developer," Azoff added. "It's a question of how well the automation is built in so it's an easy experience for the user."