Databse Approach Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of the Database Approach * == Data Independence == * The data is held in such a way that changes to the structure of the database do not effect any of the programs used to access the data. * == Consistency of Data == * Each item of data is held only once therefore no danger of item being updated on one system and not on another. * == Control Over Redundancy == * In a non-database system, the same information may be held on several files. This wastes space and makes updating more time-consuming. A database system minimises these effects. * *** == Integrity of Data == * **** The DBMS provides users with the ability to specify constraints on data such as making a field entry essential or using a validation routine. * == Greater Security of Data == * The DBMS can ensure only authorised users are allowed access to the data. * == Centralised Control of Data == * The Database Administrator will control who has access to what and will structure the database with the needs of the * == More Information Available to Users == * Users have access to a wider range of data that was previously held in separate departments andsometimes on incompatible systems. * == Increased Productivity == * The DBMS provides an easy to use query language that allows users to get immediate response from their queries rather than having to use a specialist "programmer" to write queries for them. whole department in mind * = Disdvantages of the Database Approach = * == Larger Size == * More disk space is required and probably a larger and more powerful computer. * == Greater Complexity == * For optimum use the database must be very carefully designed. If not done well, the new system may fail to satisfy anyone. * == Greater Impact of System Failure ==