Advantages of using a database approach compared to using traditional file processing

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File Processing System

A file processing system is a method used for storing and organizing computer files and the data they contain to make it easier to access them

May be used for storage and maintaining the physical location of files

In file processing systems reach file contains and processes information for one specific function and is independent of one another

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Database Approach

The database approach is used to store data about an entity

his ensure that data will only have to be updated and retrieved from that one specific location

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Advantages of using database approach vs traditional file processing

Database systems allow for fast response times when retrieving data

A number of users are allowed to have access to the same pieces of data at the same time

In file processing, all users have the same amount of control

Database systems also allow for backup of the data which makes it easier to do full data recoveries when there is failure

Database systems are more flexible than file processing systems

Allows files to be edited and changed while traditional file processing does not

Databases are not affected by programs as these are independent

Data redundancies can be removed by data normalization

Data Normalization also improves data consistency and integrity

Can be accessed remotely with username and password

Databases are supported by SQL for data manipulation, insert, delete, update

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Data speed/ rate

Data speed is the rate at which data is transferred within the computer or between a peripheral device and the computer

Can also be the rate in which audio and video files are compressed, measure in bits per second

It is also the transmission speed of a network - also called bit-rate

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Data Efficiency and Cost

This refers to how well many processes can be applied to data such as storage, access, filtering, sharing

How well the information produced suits the desired outcomes within resource constraints

Data cost refers to the cost associated with the creation of data

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Data Quality

Data quality is an assessment of data fitness to serve its purpose in a given context

Data quality assurance (DQA) is the process of verifying the reliability and effectiveness of data

Aspects of data quality:

Accuracy

Update status

Consistency across data sources

Appropriate Presentation

Completeness

Relevance

Reliability

Accessibility

Update Status:

Refers to an update on the current situation with regard to a particular project

Data Reliability:

This is the collection of techniques that aims to ensure the consistency of data in distributed settings