What is DBMS? Why DBMS is increasingly important

Data management is one of the extremely important categories in companies. However, as the company grows larger, the amount of data increases, the number of employees increases, the data management process needs the help of other tools, such as DBMS. If you still do not know what DBMS is, and why you need to use DBMS, follow the  TipsMake article  below.

What is DBMS?

DBMS stands for Database Management System. This is a system software that serves the creation and management of databases, allowing end users to create, read, update and delete data in the database.

DBMS is the most popular type of data management platform. It can be said that they act as an interface between the database and users or programs/applications, ensuring that the data system is always organized in sync and easily connected.

According to DB-Engine Ranking, the three most popular DBMSs in the world include:

Oracle : This DBMS has maintained its leading position since its launch in 1979.

MySQL : used by tech giants like Facebook and Google

Microsoft SQL Server : Microsoft product, easily connects to SharePoint, Excel, Word, Access applications,.

Structure of database management system

Data: Consists of tables, columns, and rows that contain information about objects or events.

Metadata: Information describing the data including database structure, definition of tables, data types of columns, and other information such as access rights, security.

Storage Manager: Stores data on disk or memory. The storage manager is responsible for dividing storage space and optimizing data.

Transaction Manager: The task of the transaction manager is to ensure data consistency by managing the execution and confirmation or abort of transactions.

Query Processor: Executes queries, generates execution plans, and optimizes for faster data retrieval.

Operations with database management system: Includes activities such as modifying, creating and deleting data. At the same time, it also has the right to manage users, security and perform data recovery.

DBMS Classification

DBMS is classified based on data model which includes the following components:

1. Hierarchy: Data is organized as a family tree (parent-child). Retrieval is fast but rigid, not suitable for many-to-many relationships.
2. Network: Extends the hierarchical model, allowing each record to have multiple "parents" and "children". More flexible but complex to design and maintain. Suitable for data with many dependencies.
3. Relational (RDBMS): Stores data in tables that are linked together. Most popular, flexible, efficient, and reliable. Suitable for applications that require high reliability (like banking).
4. Object Oriented: Combines databases with object-oriented programming principles. Suitable for applications developed in object-oriented languages ​​(Java, C++), complex data management (graphics, simulation).
5. NoSQL: Supports big data and real-time web applications. Easy to scale horizontally, no data structure required. Widely used in high-traffic websites, real-time analytics.

Popular database management systems today

DBMS is a software system used to create, manage, and retrieve data in a database. There are many types of DBMS, classified mainly based on the data model they use:

1. Hierarchical model : Organizes data in a tree structure, each record (node) has only one "big branch" but can have many "small branches". The model is simple, effective with data that has clear relationships, but is rigid and difficult to handle with more complex relationships.
2. Network model : This is an extension of the hierarchical model, allowing a record to have multiple large branches and multiple small branches. This model is more flexible in handling complex relationships, but its disadvantage is that it makes you complicated in design and maintenance.
3. Relational Model (RDBMS) : Stores data in tables and uses keys to link between tables. The relational model is notable for its flexibility, efficiency, and ability to handle complex queries.
4. Object-Oriented Model (OODBMS) : Combines database features with object-oriented programming principles. Data is modeled similarly to object-oriented programming languages ​​(Java, C++), providing good support for applications that require complex data models such as graphics and simulation.
5. NoSQL Model : Designed for handling huge volumes of data and real-time web applications. Does not require fixed data structures, easy to scale horizontally. This model is often used in high-traffic web applications, real-time data analysis, and advertising.

Functions of DBMS

DBMS manages three most important elements: data, database organization (allowing users to access, lock, and modify data), and database schema (defining the logical structure of the database). These three fundamental elements create a unified data management process and ensure data security and integrity.

Some of the basic functions of a DBMS include: change management rights, monitoring, security, archiving, and data recovery. Some DBMS even have automatic rollback, restart, activity logging, and auditing functions for database activity.

However, the most useful function of a DBMS is to provide a mechanism for multiple users to access the database from different locations in a controlled manner. In addition, a DBMS can limit the areas of data that users can access as well as limit the way they can interact with the data (view, edit, delete, etc.). Users and other programs/software do not need to worry about where the data is stored, because the DBMS can handle it all.

Benefits of using DBMS

One of the biggest benefits of using a DBMS is that it allows users and other programs/applications to access and use a database while also managing the integrity of the data. In other words, a DBMS protects and maintains data better than creating new data containers for each user or each application.

The local storage and data management functions of DBMS provide benefits such as data security; balancing user needs in the same data; data recovery in case of problems or errors; recording data access processes, etc.

When DBMS is integrated, the system can be easily changed as required. New data items can be added to the database without disrupting the existing system or affecting users or applications in the database. 

However, DBMS will use more memory and CPU than other conventional file storage systems.

Outstanding advantages and disadvantages of DBMS

To better understand DBMS, readers can refer to the advantages and disadvantages below:

Advantage

1. Provides methods for storing and retrieving data in various formats using a query language.
2. Easy to maintain
3. Support for multiple applications in one database system with optimal development and maintenance time
4. Data security through minimal data updates and backups
5. Compatible with application programming languages ​​such as Python and Java, supporting database connectivity to any application or website
6. Ability to automatically backup and restore when needed
7. Allows users to access and share data

Disadvantages

1. Has quite complex properties
2. There are very few licensed DBMS software on the market. If a business wants to implement this system, it will need to choose carefully to buy legitimate software.
3. Leading companies often store data in a single database. If a database failure occurs, all data is lost and cannot be recovered.
4. Businesses are at great risk of buying incompatible software.
5. Large in size and takes a long time to set up

The Future of DBMS

As of 2019, the most prominent trend in the DBMS field is the change in the way DBMS is built and used. One of the main reasons for this is the strong development of open source DBMS technology. 

According to statistics in 2019, about 10% of businesses use open source databases. Mainstream information technology organizations in the world have also started using open source software in some activities.

This trend has led to two sub-trends: first, technology giants are taking advantage of the opportunity to acquire open source database companies, and second, cloud database services are gradually increasing their market share. Among them, cloud technology is predicted to become the "default platform for data management". Not only increasing in the number of users, traditional DBMS companies are also rushing to launch a series of cloud database applications. These moves will open up a very new and very different future for the DBMS industry.

Conclusion

DBMS is a useful tool for agencies, organizations, and companies to manage their massive data warehouses. Following the trend and development of technology, DBMS is increasingly modern and diverse in types and prices. Therefore, equip yourself with knowledge about DBMS to choose the most suitable software according to your needs and budget. 

According to TipsMake share

Kareem Winters

Update 12 February 2025