Database Reference
In-Depth Information
WHY DATABASE SYSTEMS?
We traced the evolution of data systems. We grasped the essentials of the explosive
growth of information technology. We noted the escalating demand of organizations
for information. We observed how growth in information technology and the
increased demand for information worked hand in hand. Increasing demand for
information spurred the growth of information technology. Growth of informa-
tion technology, in turn, enabled organizations to satisfy the increasing demand for
information.
Let us summarize the driving forces for organizations to adopt database systems.
A major reason is the inadequacy of the earlier file-oriented data systems. We shall
review the limitations and see how database systems overcome the limitations and
provide significant benefits.
The Driving Forces
Among others, four major forces drove organizations to adopt database systems.
Figure 1-3 illustrates these four major forces.
Information as a Corporate Asset.
Today, companies strongly realize that infor-
mation is a corporate asset similar to other assets such as cash, plant and equip-
ment, or inventory. Proper management of key assets is essential for success.
Companies understand that it is essential to manage information as a key asset.
They understand the need to find improved methods for storing, retrieving, and
using information.
Explosive Growth of Computer Technology.
Computer technology, especially data
storage and retrieval systems, has grown in a phenomenal manner. Without growth
in this sector, it is unlikely that we could have progressed to database systems that
need sophisticated ways of data storage and retrieval.
Escalating Demand for Information.
We have noted the increase in demand for
information by organizations, not only in volume but in the types of information as
Escalating
demand for
information
Information as
corporate asset
Database
Systems
Explosive growth
of computer
technology
Inadequacy of
earlier data
systems
Figure 1-3
Database systems: the driving forces.
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