A database management system (DBMS) is a set of hardware and software. It is a set of means that allows one or more computers or servers to store, organize and retrieve data.
Firstly, a DBMS performs data storage but also manages their processing, security and integrity. The DBMS stores the information in tables where each row represents an element or object. And each column represents an attribute or characteristic.
1. Database Management System vs. ERP System
Secondly, a database management system (DBMS) is a software system that manages the storage and retrieval of data. It is responsible for ensuring that the data is reliable and accessible at all times. An ERP system is a software program that manages all the business processes of an organization, including product planning, procurement, manufacturing, sales and customer service. The ERP system therefore provides information on the performance of the company to management and allows them to make better decisions.
An ERP system is a software program to manage all the processes of an organization, including product planning, procurement, manufacturing and sales. It is the Decisional Computing hosted in a SIAD (Information System and Decision-making Aid) also called Business Intelligence in English.
ERPs also use electronic data exchange (EDI). In electronic commerce transactions, the customer sends a message to the supplier containing the product specifications and price information. And this is done completely automatically and transparently.
2. How do Database Management Systems work?
A database is a collection of information stored in a computer system. These are tables with rows and columns that make up the databases. The Database Management System stores and organizes the data physically and logically, as you would see on a spreadsheet or Excel spreadsheet.
The technical architecture of a database refers to the physical disposition of the storage of data, which includes the location of the data on the hard drive or other storage device.
On the other hand, cloud architecture refers to the way in which data is accessible on a network. The data is stored on multiple servers, accessible via the Internet or via a private network (VPN). This is the domain called Cloud Computing or Computing on the Cloud in French.
3. Differences between a local DBMS and a cloud one
A local database or DBMS is therefore installed on one or more servers, usually on the same network as the client computers. It is on the local network of the company that exploits it and is accessible only to its employees.
A cloud database, on the other hand, is hosted on servers located in data centers owned by a cloud service provider. Access to the data is via the Internet, and the data can be accessed from anywhere and from any device connected to the Internet.
Cloud databases are usually more expensive than local databases because they require infrastructure, maintenance and support from the cloud service provider. However, they offer several advantages such as scalability, flexibility, availability, and security.
Cloud Database Management Systems are scalable because they can handle an increase in data volume and user demand without requiring additional hardware or software. They are flexible because they can be customized to meet the specific needs of the organization. They are available because they can be accessed from anywhere and any device with an internet connection. And they are secure because they use advanced security measures such as encryption, authentication, and backup.
In contrast, local databases are less expensive because they do not require infrastructure, maintenance, and support from a third party. However, they have limitations such as limited scalability, flexibility, and availability. They can only handle a limited amount of data and user demand, and they are only accessible from the local network.
In conclusion, the choice between a local database and a cloud database depends on the needs and budget of the organization. Local databases are suitable for small businesses with limited data and user demand, while cloud databases are suitable for large organizations with high data and user demand.
4. What are the different types of databases?
There are many types of database management systems, and they have their advantages and disadvantages. Relational databases store data in tables with columns and rows. While OLAP databases use multidimensional cubes to store and analyse data.
However, relational databases called Online Transactional Processing or OLTP databases take longer to execute queries. But they are more flexible than OLAP databases in terms of schema changes.The SQL language is used to query relational databases. While OLAP queries require a specific language called Multidimensional Expressions or MDX.
There are more types of databases, this list is not exhaustive.
- Object-oriented databases. These databases store data in the form of objects, which are data structures that contain both data and methods. They are used in applications that require complex data relationships and fast access to data.
- NoSQL databases. These databases do not use the traditional SQL language and are designed for large-scale, distributed data storage. They are suitable for handling unstructured or semi-structured data such as social media posts, log files, and sensor data. Examples of NoSQL databases include MongoDB, Cassandra, and Couchbase.
- Graph databases. These databases store data in the form of nodes (data entities) and edges (relationships between nodes). They are used to model complex relationships and are suitable for applications that require fast querying of data relationships. Examples of graph databases include Neo4j and TigerGraph.
- In-memory databases. These databases store data in the memory of the computer rather than on disk. They are faster than disk-based databases because they do not have to read and write data from disk. They are used in applications that require real-time processing of data such as financial systems and online gaming. Examples of in-memory databases include SQL Server In-Memory OLTP, SSAS Tabular Models, SAP HANA and Oracle TimesTen.
Conclusion on Database Management System
To conclude, a database management system (DBMS) is a software system that allows organizations to store, manage, and retrieve data efficiently. It is responsible for ensuring that the data is reliable, secure, and accessible at all times.
There are several types of DBMSs available, each with their own strengths and suitability for different types of data and applications. When selecting a DBMS, it is important to consider the industry and business needs of the organization, the financial budget, the skills and experience of the IT staff.
And compatibility with the existing technical environment. The DBMS should also be scalable, provide data security and integrity, and ensure data availability.
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