Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) is defined as a database management system that is based on the relational model. The information and data are organized well and consistently so that the structure allows users to identify and access data in relation to other pieces of data in the database. However, the Relational Database Management System is not a one size fits all structure. It itself has some issues and difficulties with storing and representing data that does not cooperate with the structure of a RDBMS. In order to understand what issues that RDBMS are facing, I experienced one of the most common business software which is Microsoft Access.
I did an online research about what companies are using what software, and I found that Microsoft Access is used by several big companies like Amazon, CVS, and Johnson Controls. The use of an RDBMS to store and access is widely used. However, in Matt Allen’s article “Relational Databases Are Not Designed to Handle Change”, he states that “… even a simple change like adding or replacing a column in a table might be a million dollar task”. Imagine if data cannot be updated and reorganized, this will surely slow down any business.
In the real world, the data helps the business to improve or rethink methods of achieving its ultimate efficiency and productivity. If data cannot be manipulated easily, a RMBDS can ” lead to the disparity of structured data, not to mention all the unstructured data that is going unaccounted for”. If the data is not organized, it cannot be evaluated properly and will not be an aid in shifting the businesses’ priorities or an aid in the businesses’ elevation. Moreover, RDBMS are not designed for anything other than a single server used to maintain integrity in table mapping and relating across tables. Hence, for example web forms do not function well with Microsoft Access since it was built in a Windows environment instead of an internet database.
In his article, Matt Allen states that Relational Databases are problematic because there are limitations, similar to Microsoft Excel, on how to maintain “data consistency and ensure fast queries – hallmarks of a relational model”. To validate, organize, and store the data, users should use structured query language also known as SQL to “… create, modify, maintain, and query relational databases” (Williams and Sawyer, 2015). Structured query language is specific to the database fields used in the query. User can also query to validate, organize and store the data in a Relational Database Management System. This allows users to decide which specific characteristics are preferred for the queried data.
Relational Database models have both benefits and disadvantages. Data structure is a good one since the table format makes it easier for users to work and use. The systems organize essential information, allows data to be evaluated in numerous ways. However, it reduces data redundancy and increases consistency. A simple change or combination of changes can be expensive or even impossible to achieve.
References:
- Williams, B. K., ; Sawyer, S. C. (2015). Using information technology: A practical introduction to computers ; communication (11th ed.).
- New York: McGraw-Hill. Allen, M. (2018, March 20). Relational Databases Are Not Designed To Handle Change.
- Retrieved May 5, 2018, from https://www.marklogic.com/blog/relational-databases-change/
