What Does a Database Management System Do, Exactly?

As businesses have come to rely on increasing amounts of data, the importance of keeping this data organized and usable has also increased. Therefore, databases are a critical consideration for any business that wants to gain as much value as they can from their collected data. However, a database can only be useful if a database management system is involved. Let’s go into why this is.

Let’s pretend that all data is represented by books in a library, which itself represents the database. Now, consider what a library would be like without the Dewey Decimal System. All the books would be stuffed into the shelves haphazardly, no rhyme or reason to them at all. It would be practically impossible to locate any of the information you were trying to find.

The Dewey Decimal system serves the same purpose in the library as the database management system (DBMS) does for your database.

What Does the DBMS Actually Do?

True to its name, the database management system enables you to manage your database. More specifically, it assists you in keeping your data organized and secure, while also helping you keep track of the activity taking place in your database.

One of the biggest advantages of a DBMS is the fact that it gives you so much control over your data, while also adding convenience. For instance:

• A DBMS allows you to restrict access to data that an end user has.
• Users have a simpler time finding the data they need.
• It eliminates the need to restructure data to use different programs.
• Administration procedures can be unified.
• A DBMS makes data processing more economical.
• Data inconsistencies between file systems are eliminated.
• A DBMS allows for simultaneous data access between multiple users.

In short, a database management system makes your users’ jobs simpler to carry out, without sacrificing the security of, or control over, your data.

BNMC can help you implement the organizational tools you need to remain productive. To discuss your needs with one of our professionals, give us a call at (978) 482-2020.