Databases

MIS

Fall 2013

Databases

A database is a collection of data which is stored by centralizing the information into one location. The data should also be easily retrievable. This will enable the database to be used more efficiently and have the ability to serve multiple applications and users. (Loudon & Loudon, p 212)

Databases have been used for centuries.  One type was the record keeping by banks for more than 500 years. Businesses kept their records on a paper system. In the 21st century when databases are mentioned the assumption is always a computerized record keeping electronic system. In the 1960s, database storage was expensive and consisted of electromagnetic tapes.     A decade later, in the 1970s, the costs started to decrease and the memory on computers was increased (Ross, n.d., Enzine.  “A new database model called Entity-Relationship, or ER, was proposed by P. Chen in 1976.  This model made it possible for designers to focus on data application, instead of logical table structure” (quickbase.intuit.com/articles). This enabled more businesses to use database technology although it still had a lot of challenges.  With these major challenges came a need for solutions.  During the 1980s vendors had to develop better databases and incorporate the solutions into the final product. This resulted in an improved functional database management system for businesses. It was at this time that SQL known as Structured Query Language became the standard (quickbase.intuit.com/articles).  During the 1990s the demand for databases grew into a need for one that was easily maintained instead of one that was just accurate.  The business needs required big advances in database programs to make them more manageable and easier to use.  Many competing companies develop more sophisticated database programs which then in turn became more expensive.  This was also spurred on by the rapid development of the internet and the spread of information.  (Ross, n.d., Enzine)