Database Reference
In-Depth Information
data, structure of the data etc. Standardizing stored data formats is usually desirable for the
purpose of data interchange or migration between systems.
10. Controlling Data Redundancy —
In the conventional file processing system, every
user group maintains its own files for handling its data files. This may lead to
• Duplication of same data in different files.
• Wastage of storage space, since duplicated data is stored.
• Errors may be generated due to updation of the same data in different files.
• Time in entering data again and again is wasted.
• Computer Resources are needlessly used.
• It is very difficult to combine information.
11. Elimination of Inconsistency
— In the file processing system information is duplic-
ated throughout the system. So changes made in one file may be necessary be carried over
to another file. This may lead to inconsistent data. So we need to remove this duplication
of data in multiple file to eliminate inconsistency.
1.3.3 Disadvantages of database systems
Because of the larger number of users accessing the data when a database is used, the en-
terprise may involve additional risks as compared to a conventional data processing system
in the following areas.
1. Complexity —
The supply and operation of a database management system with several
users and databases is quite costly and demanding. A DBMS is a complex piece of soft-
ware, optimized for certain kinds of workloads (e.g., answering complex queries or hand-
ling many concurrent requests), and its performance may not be adequate for certain spe-
cialized applications.
2. Data Quality —
Since the database is accessible to users remotely, adequate controls are
needed to control users updating data and to control data quality. With increased number
of users accessing data directly, there are enormous opportunities for users to damage the
data. Unless there are suitable controls, the data quality may be compromised.
3. Cost of Hardware & Software —
A computer with high speed of data processing and
memory of large size is required to run the DBMS software. It means that you have to
up grade the hardware used for file-based system. Similarly, DBMS software is also very
costly.
