subject: Database management services : a crucial element in the success of a business [print this page] Author: John carton Author: John carton
Database management is a complex task and it is getting more complicated as time goes by. The very fact that the market is flooded with various kinds of database management tools shows how vital database management is for a company. This is also the reason why business heads and corporate leaders willingly invest a large part of their budget on proper database management systems. Database management services basically aim at organizing and managing data in an efficient manner. A simple example would serve to illustrate the importance of efficient database management services. In case you visit a doctor, he may retrieve all important information about you from his computer by searching for records in your name. This is database management at its simplest. But, things get trickier when the nature of the information changes. Sensitive information like credit card numbers can be manipulated in dangerous ways if it gets into the hands of the wrong people. Therefore, efficient database management systems provide for different levels of access to such information to ensure that the wrong hands do not get access to sensitive information. There are a number of database management models you can choose from: relational, ad-hoc, hash based, hierarchical, relational databases and so on. Database management services make use of various data management models to collect and maintain data in a proper way. Which model is best for you depends on a large number of factors. The model you choose not only affects the software you will be using, it will also have an impact on how you view data. The decision you make at this point is almost written in stone as it is difficult to undo it at a later point of time. Database management is not just the collection of data. In the end, the extracted data needs to be co-related after threshing out incomplete, wrong or redundant data. Then duplicate entries, if any, have to be weeded out. Accurate entries have to be verified. The process of data cleansing requires high levels of expertise and experience. Database management includes collection of data, development of mailing lists and data cleansing with sorting. Depending upon the level of expertise, data collection could make use of technologies like internet based research, paper or telephone research. Efficient database management helps you: Control the rising price of database management Make the best use of database maintenance time Provide excellent service An effective database management system must be completely secure. Authentication and access must be precise. Security is not limited to preventing illegal access. It must also include backups and archiving raw files so that data may be retrieved in case something goes wrong. Besides this, a good database management system must be easy to use with loads of user friendly tools that can easily be used by people of differing capabilities. Excellent online documentation coupled with good support is essential.About the Author:
