1
DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (DBMS)
Database Management Systems (DBMS)
How they affect our everyday life.
Xavier Edwards
Howard University
Management Information Systems 001-01
Dr. Agarwal
October 31, 2018
Abstract
A database is a structured set of data held in computer or software, especially one that is accessible in various ways. Databases have been in existence since the early 1960s; however, the most universally used type of database was not created until the early 1970s. Relational databases are the most commonly used type of database. Invented by Edgar F. Codd, relational databases have created growth with a digital organizational tool used by numerous companies and consumers. Databases have substituted out-of-date forms of paper communication and physical file storage. Computerized databases were used as a way to store and manage large amounts of information digitally. Companies began to use these databases for tasks such as inventory tracking, customer management and accounting procedures. Consumers use databases every day such as Microsoft and Google cloud services. Databases are much more proficient than paper storage as they take up less space, are easily retrieved by multiple users at once and can be transported long distances with practically no delay. The rise of the Internet, email, credit card processing and corporate infrastructure was all possible through databases. Databases allow for data to be shared across the world instead of being stored in one location on a physical piece of paper.
How is all of this possible? How are we able to make documents and charts, virtual and transferable? A DBMS or Database management system makes is possible for end users to create, read, update and delete data in a database. The DBMS basically serves as an interface between the database and end users or application programs, ensuring that data is constantly organized and remains easily attainable. A DBMS generally manipulates the data itself, the data format, field names, record structure and file structure. DBMSs are also capable of converting an existing database into a larger archive or newer application. Some well-known DBMSs are Microsoft SQL, Oracle, IBM, Microsoft Access and others.
What do these Database Management Systems consist of and what do they physically look like? DMBS are comprised of many components, each doing very significant tasks in the database management system workspace. The software is the set of programs used to manage and control the overall database. This contains the DBMS software itself, the Operating System, the network software being used to share the data among users, and the application programs used to access data in the DBMS. DBMS exists to gather, stock, process and access data, the most important component. Data is anything that is collected, analyzed, copied, or handled. Data can be documents, coding, processors, statistics, etc. The database contains both the actual or operational data and...
