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Types of Databases

 

 

Individual Database

  1. Also known as the microcomputer database.
  2. It is a collection of integrated files primarily used by just one person.
  3. Data is stored either on the user's disk or on a LAN file server.
  4. Examples:
    1. Keeping records for a small business or store.
    2. Tracking customers and sales records for a small store.
    3. Evaluating salespeople performance.

 

 

 

Company, or Shared Database

  1. Database created for use in a company.
  2. This type of database may be stored on a mainframe.
  3. Managed by a computer professional, known as a database administrator.
  4. Access to this type of database is usually made through a link to the main computer from a microcomputer through a network.
      
  5. Two types of company databases are:
    1. common operational - contains details about the day to day operations of the company, such as inventory, production, and sales.
        
    2. common user - contains selected information both from common operational database and outside private databases.  Managers and top executives use these databases for strategic decision making.
        
  6. Examples:
    1. A department store can record all sales transactions in the database.
    2. A sales manager can use this information to see which salespeople are selling the most products.
    3. The manager can then determine year-end sales bonuses.
    4. The store's buyer can learn which products are selling well or not selling and make adjustments when reordering.
    5. A top executive might combine overall store sales trends with information from outside databases about consumer and population trends.
    6. This information could be used to change the whole merchandising strategy of the store.

 

 

Distributed Database

  1. Data in a company stored in several locations.
  2. Data is made accessible through communications networks.
  3. A database server on a client/server network may provide a link between users and data.
  4. Examples:
    1. Database information can be at regional offices, company headquarters, and overseas branches.
    2. Sales figures for the chain of department stores can then be accessed by executives at the headquarter office for decision making.

 

 

Proprietary Database

  1. A large database that an organization develops to cover certain particular subjects.
  2. Access is usually offered to the public or selected outside individuals for a fee.
  3. Sometimes called information utilities or data banks.
  4. Some proprietary databases are:
    1. CSi - offers consumer and business services, including electronic mail.
    2. Dialog Information Services - offers business technical and scientific information.
    3. Dow Jones News Retrieval - provides world news, and information on business, investments, and stocks.
    4. Prodigy - offers news and information on business and economics, and leisure.
  5. Companies usually charge a start-up fee and an hourly charge for searching the database.
  6. There may also be a charge for the phone line or telecommunication line.

 

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