Database

Abstract

“Throughout your career, you will be directly or indirectly accessing a variety of databases, ranging from a simple roster of departmental employees to a fully integrated corporate database. You will probably access these databases using software called a database management system (DBMS). A DBMS consists of a group of programs that manipulate the database and provide an interface between the database and the user of the database and other application programs. A database, a DBMS, and the application programs that use the data in the database make up a database environment. Understanding basic database system concepts can enhance your ability to use the power of a computerized database system to support organizational goals and advance your career.”

Microsoft Access

“First of all you need to understand how Microsoft Access breaks down a database. Some keywords involved in this process are: Database File, Table, Record, Field, Data-type.”

“After you've set up multiple tables in your Microsoft Access database, you need a way of telling Access how to bring that information back together again. The first step in this process is to define relationships between your tables. After you've done that, you can create queries, forms, and reports to display information from several tables at once. A relationship works by matching data in key fields - usually a field with the same name in both tables. In most cases, these matching fields are the primary key from one table, which provides a unique identifier for each record, and a foreign key in the other table.”

“A form is nothing more than a graphical representation of a table. You can add, update, delete records in your table by using a form. NOTE: Although a form can be named different from a table, they both still manipulate the same information and the same exact data. Hence, if you change a record in a form, it will be changed in the table also.”

“A form is very good to use when you have numerous fields in a table. This way you can see all the fields in one screen, whereas if you were in the table view (datasheet) you would have to keep scrolling to get the field you desire.”

“A report is an effective way to present your data in a printed format. Because you have control over the size and appearance of everything on a report, you can display the information the way you want to see it.”

Oracle

“Oracle provides a full spectrum of operational, tactical, and strategic reporting and analysis software with both historical analysis and predictive functionality. Supporting all steps of the decision-centric BI model, Oracle is well positioned to enable decision process automation.”

“The business analytics market through its data warehousing and business intelligence segments has long claimed to be in the decision support business.”

“However, a comprehensive business analytics solution requires multiple technologies to support the varied decision-making needs of ever-expanding user populations. Deploying such a solution based on technology from a single vendor has advantages.”

“As a VP from a leading global bank put it, "Having multiple solutions from Oracle contributes to higher quality of data and stronger integration between the data warehouse and transactional system. It has also enhanced our communication with the software provider, our ability to influence future product development and resolve problems - not having to deal with multiple vendors streamlines the process." At the same time for those not interested in a purely Oracle end-to-end solution, the company provides openness to integrate with other BI software. For example, at the University System of Georgia, in addition to Oracle’s BI tools, software from Business Objects is used. Business Objects reporting software is exposed to end users through the OracleAS Portal.”

“Today, clear signs of