Database Management Systems

Database Types

2.1 Types of Databases

The databases can be categorised based in various perspectives. One such way is to consider with the scope and the applicability of the database. Following will help you to identify the basic features of each Database type categorised based on the scope and applicability.

1. Personal Databases:

• Designed to support one user

• Generally less complex and small

Eg: Database to record and maintain Personal Budget

2. Workgroup Databases:

• Designed to be used by a small group or a team

• Supports to collaborate among the team

• Will be shared among a small number of users

Eg: Database for Workflow Management of a Project

3. Departmental Databases:

• Supports the functions of a department

• Scope and the size vary depending on the complexity of the functions carried out by the department, and also the amount of data handled by the department

Eg: Database of the Accounts Department

4. Enterprise Databases:

• Stores and manipulate the data which represents the entire enterprise

• Relatively large and complex databases

• Security of the database is a vital concern

Eg: Database for ERP Systems

5. Internet, Intranet and Extranet Databases:

• Supports applications which require universal access

• Very large and complex databases

• Should adapt mechanisms to support various access mechanisms, and to ensure data security

Eg: Database to support organizations that operate collaboratively on various aspects

Now we finished learning about types of databases, based on the scope and the applicability. Let’s move on to see how these databases are used in different database systems to cater for different organizations’ operational needs.

2.2 Database Systems in Organizations

Different organizations may need different types of databases, handle different volumes of data and operate on different procedures. In fact, similar sets of data will be handled differently by two different organizations. Their security concerns on the data may vary drastically, measure of sensitivity of a given data item (the level of importance of the data item for the existence and the development of the organization) might be different, and the infrastructure of the organization may be completely different. Let’s focus on a few organizations to see how they use databases to support data manipulation within their context. This overall idea will support you to understand the context and the needs of different organizations when you practically design database systems for organizations.

1. Banking:

Banking Systems handle large volumes of sensitive data, and requires high security measure pertaining to database transactions. It is also required to keep the database live and up to date. The data handled by such databases include Customer Information, Account and Loan information, Banking Transactions and Online Transactions

2. Airlines:

Airlines were among the first to use databases in a geographically distributed manner. Terminals all around the world access the central database system through phone lines and other data networks. This also needs highly secured, largely accessed, always up-to date database which can handle large volumes of data. Most vital information handled by airline systems is the flight details, schedules and reservations.

3. Universities:

These systems keep variety of information pertaining to the students, courses, academics, other staff members, resources and student assessments. Availability and the sensitivity of data are not as crucial as it is with banking systems and airlines. However the databases should be able to keep and handle high volumes of data and also to cater to different levels of users. Some of the subsystems which use the database may not be directly interrelated, and therefore it is even possible to keep separate small databases to handle different separate sections.

4. Telecommunication:

These systems also handle a vast amount of data and need up-to-date information. Call details, monthly billing and tariff information, and the details of pre-paid card services are some of the vital information stored in databases in telecommunication systems. In addition, they may also include the details of the exchanges and switches or any other technical equipment used in the organization. Security on of the data is a key concern in these systems and also should be able to handle different user levels by blocking unauthorized access to data.

5. Manufacturing:

Databases used in manufacturing organization handles larges variety and volume of data related to different aspects such as supply chains, production lines, inventories, orders and customers. Some of the areas may need constant access and always up-to-date information, where as in some other areas the major concern is about the performance of the database when handling large volumes of data, or accessed from off-site systems.

6. Human Resources:

Human resources management is another area where the databases play an effective role in managing information about the mostly-valued-resource in an organization. The databases are not huge and the amount of usage will also be moderate. Availability of the system is not as crucial as for a banking system. How ever, the data is considered sensitive and therefore proper security measures need to be enforced in the database.