SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DATABASE ENVIRONMENT - Database Design and Development: An Essential Guide for IT Professionals - page 87

base approach eliminates variations and ambiguities as to sources of informa-
tion for various business processes. Information needed for all business processes
resides in one logical place, although under certain conditions individual data
files may be stored in multiple physical locations as in the case of distributed
databases.
Information delivery tools. The database system comes with its own set of tools for
information access and delivery. Query processors and report writers enable easy
information access.
Empowering users. In a database environment, sophisticated users can write their
own queries and format their own reports. Such users gain control over their infor-
mation access; to a large extent, they need not depend on the information technol-
ogy department to get information for them.
Promotes information delivery. The manner in which data structures get organized
in the database makes information available by easy combinations of different struc-
tures. If you need information to process insurances claims, you can combine data
on insurers, policies, covered contingencies, and damages. If you want information
to reserve an airline seat, you can combine data on customers, flight schedules, seat
availability, rates schedules, and available discounts. This synergy of the data content
promotes information delivery.
Foundation for Applications
In a database environment, the data repository forms the underlying basis for devel-
oping applications. All applications receive data from the database; data also are
recorded and updated through applications. The database appears to sit in the
middle surrounded by the various applications. In fact, the database shapes the input
and display of data in the applications.
Consider the following factors that make the database environment the founda-
tion for applications.
Input and display of data. Suppose you display customer name and address
in the order entry application as well as in the product shipment application.
Because customer name and address in both applications come from the same
database, the formats, sizes, and data types will be same. Similarly, when you input
customer name and address through the marketing application or update the
data from the customer service application, you use the same formats, sizes, and
data types. The database environment creates uniformity in data input and display
across all applications. Departments and users are no longer divided by their
applications.
Standardization of applications. You know that it is easier to apply standards and
controls in a database environment. You can standardize data names, relationships
among data elements, and data input and display formats. You can also establish