What is Database Management?

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Database management is the act of managing the data and data storage systems for a company, organization or individual. It involves maintaining the integrity of the system through regular hardware and software maintenance, the organization of data and the regulation of user permissions within the database.

Learn about the tasks that make up database management, different methodologies used to organize and store data and the definition of terms like a distributed database management system as we answer the following questions:

What Tasks Does Database Management Entail?

Database management involves more than just putting data in the right place and ensuring that files are backed up. There are several tasks involved in database management that help keep data safe, compliant and organized.

Some of the duties of a database manager include:

Managing a team to build and deploy new database systems
Overseeing the setup and upgrade of databases
Monitoring and dictating the daily tasks of the database team
Standardizing processes to reduce the difficulty of system upgrades
Improving the scalability of existing databases
Troubleshooting database issues
Managing disaster recovery procedures
Preparing reports on the security and function of a database
Creating protocols for the organization and filing of data
Training new employees on the usage of the database
Performing database audits to identify improvements and ensure function
Providing updates to high-level managers on database projects
Researching new database technologies to add to the current architecture

What are the Types of Database Management Systems?

There are several different methods that one can use to ensure database integrity and scalability, each with its own advantages. Some of the most commonly used types of database management are:

Centralized

Centralized databases are systems where all of the data lives in a single location. Some examples of centralized databases include desktops, servers and mainframe CPUs.
Blockchain

Blockchain databases combine traditional databases and distributed databases to create a uniquely secure database. It is the basis for a majority of cryptocurrencies and several financial transactions because of its high level of security.
Federated

Federated databases map several autonomous databases into a single one. Typically, these systems are categorized as either loosely coupled or tightly coupled. Tightly coupled databases use standalone methods to build the databases and publish the data. Loosely coupled databases build their own schema and require access to other similar database systems to maintain integrity.

In addition to these types of database management systems, there is also the distributed database management system.

What is a Distributed Database Management System?

A distributed database management system is an interface between the user and the database that uses distributed database management system software. The software manages the data, schema and engine of the database to enable alterations to the data organization.

The reason that special software is required to manage distributed databases is because they store data across several physical locations. Specialized software prevents the data from being overly duplicated and ensures that changes made to the database are mirrored across all locations where the data is stored.

The management systems for distributed databases require a certain level of complexity that is not needed for centralized systems. Often, they function through the use of system commands. In this process, the database administrator or manager provides the system instructions through a system command. Commands can be used to store, retrieve, load or modify data within the system.

Interested in Learning More about Database Management?

If you're interested in a career in database management, DeVry University’s Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems with a Specialization in Database Management can help you get started on your path. In this program, you'll learn about database creation and management, and have the opportunity to learn other useful skills to help you earn a degree in the field.

Find out more about our Bachelor's Degree Specialization in Database Management or our other technology programs today.

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