Page 161 - IT-802_class_12
P. 161
A DBMS is a computerised record keeping system whose purpose is to manage the data and make it available as per
the requirement. Database can be referred to as a digital filing system.
Types of Users of DBMS
DBMS is used by many types of users depending on their requirements and interaction with the DBMS. There are
mainly four types of users which are as follows:
Ð ÐEnd Users: Users who use the database for querying, modifying and generating reports as per their needs. They are
not concerned about the working and designing of the database. They simply use the DBMS to get their task done.
Ð ÐDatabase Administrator (DBA): As the name implies, the DBA administers the database and the DBMS. The DBA is
responsible for authoring access, monitoring its use, providing technical support and acquiring software & hardware
resources.
Ð ÐApplication Programmers: Application programmers write application programs to interact with the database.
These programs are written in high-level languages and SQL to interact with the database.
Ð ÐSystem Analyst: The system analyst determines the requirements of the end-users and then develops specifications
to meet these requirements. A system analyst plays a major role in the database design and all the technical,
economic and feasibility aspects.
Advantages of using DBMS Approach
There are several advantages of using DBMS approach. Some of them are as follows:
Ð ÐReduction in Redundancy: Data in a DBMS is more concise because of the central repository of data. All the data is
stored in one place. There is no repetition of the same data. This also reduces the cost of storing data on hard disks
or other memory devices.
Ð ÐImproved Consistency: The chances of data inconsistencies in a database are also reduced as there is a single copy
of data that is accessed or updated by all the users.
Ð ÐImproved Availability: Same information is made available to different users. This helps sharing of information by
various users of the database.
Ð ÐImproved Security: Though there is improvement in the availability of information to users, it may also be required
to restrict access to confidential information. By making use of passwords and controlling users’ database access
rights, the DBA can provide security to the database.
Ð ÐUser Friendly: Using a DBMS, it becomes very easy to access, modify and delete data. It reduces the dependency
of users on computer specialists to perform various data related operations in a DBMS because of its user-friendly
interface.
Limitations of using DBMS Approach
Some of the limitations of using DBMS approach are as follows:
Ð ÐHigh Cost: The cost of implementing a DBMS system is very high. It is also a very time-consuming process that
involves analysing user requirements, designing the database specifications, writing application programs, and then
also providing training.
Ð ÐSecurity and Recovery Overheads: Unauthorised access to a database can lead to a threat to the individual or
organisation depending on the data stored. Also, the data must be regularly backed up to prevent its loss due to
fire, earthquakes, etc.
Hence, the DBMS approach is usually not preferred when the database is small, well defined, less frequently changed,
and used by few users.
Database Concepts—RDBMS Tool 159

