If you choose a database management system (DBMS), it's very important that you be comfortable with it. Don't put a server that you're uncomfortable with in production, as you'll definitely regret it. When using a DBMS in production, you need to be comfortable with:
Management: It's very important that you be able to replicate your application scenario to a new host without thinking too much about it. You should know how to initialize your storage and manage access. Look for visual interfaces (such as desktop and web) and avoid managing only through a console; you'll make more mistakes in a console as it's harder for complex tasks. Visual interfaces usually have automation tools and can help you avoid syntax errors.
Security: Be careful about default permissions, especially localhost permissions, as they're usually set as permissive and give full control over the data. You don't want to lose data, right?
Backups: It's critical that you have a scheduled and automated...