Benefits of a Database and Information-Gathering Techniques Free Essay Example

A database management system is a system in which data is stored, processed, and retrieved. These systems are known for security accuracy and consistency. A well-planned and developed database is very efficient and meets the current and future needs of the organization to which it services. This type of system allows the organization to collectively store and manipulate data. One key advantage of a database management system is that it is secure. First and foremost on the minds of an organization is security.

This type of system is managed through a DA (Database Administrator).

This person sets limits on accessibility, which means not all employees, or customers can access all levels of information within the database. The first line of defense is to allow access to a computer only to authorized, trusted users and to authenticate those users by a password or similar mechanism (computer science. (2013). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www. britannica. com. libdatab. strayer. edu/EBchecked/topic/130675/computer-science). Another advantage of the relational database management system is the ability to reference data across fields.

This allows the user to have one database that contains a variety of data all comprised in one system. It’s kind of like having you cake and eating it too. When the database is developed various data is input. As the tables form data is processed into information upon query from the user. This allows the organization to have their data in one place. This also creates a more efficient way to process data.

Since the data lies in the database and is referenced based upon relational values, you are provided with more consistent information, in comparison to the flat file system.

The flat file system has no relational value. A flat file database is a database that stores data in a plain text file. Each line of the text file holds one record, with fields separated by delimiters, such as commas or tabs. While it uses a simple structure, a flat file database cannot contain multiple tables like a relational database can (http://www. techterms. com/definition/flatfile). The first step in developing a good working database is planning. This involves the person that will be managing the database and the developers and some employees, so that you have a full view of what is expected from the database.

A well-designed database provides an accurate model of the operations of the organization (Ricardo, 2012, p. 14). If this is attained in the start it will be easier to maintain the database, and this also creates a means to expandability. Therefore, those involved in creating the database must have knowledge of the old system, and have a clear direction on how to integrate this data into the new system. Another key to developing a good working database is normalization. Database normalization is a process which eliminates redundancy, organizes data efficiently and improves data consistency (El-Sofany, H. F. , Ghaleb, F. M. , & El-Seoud, S. A. (2010). The Impact of XML Databases Normalization on Design and Usability of Internet Applications. International Journal Of Advanced Corporate Learning, 3(2), 4-13. doi:10. 3991/ijac. v3i2. 1265). This is the type of database that an organization needs, one that is efficient, consistent, and eliminates redundancy. This is done by first planning and gathering as much pertinent information that is available. Redundancies are multiple instances of data in different tables within the database.

These can take up space, which can create problems with efficiency and causes the database to be inconsistent. The last and possibly most important key to a good working database is maintenance. The database administrator must maintain the software and hardware updates, in order for the database to function optimally. This person must not only have the tools to keep the database running efficiently, but they must also have the skills to fix the problems as they arise. The DBA is required to maintain production and test environments while keeping an eye on active application development projects, attending trategy and design meetings, helping select and evaluate new products, and connecting legacy systems to the Web (Mullins, C. S. (2004). Facilitating Efficient Data Management. Certification Magazine, 6(11), 24-44). An efficient smooth running organization must take advantage of a database system that will work for them. The relational database management system is efficient and consistent. A well planned database management system will meet the present and future needs of an organization, and it can help grow an organization.

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