Relational Database Concepts and Applications: Research Paper Essay

Introduction In order to successfully transition from our current paper and email based equipment request method to a completely paperless online system, we must build and implement a relational database. A relational database will allow us to store, filter, make changes to, and share of the data that is needed in our new online equipment ordering system. Relational Database Overview â€Å"Databases are a mean for storing information in such a way that information can be retrieved from it. In simplest terms, a relational database is one that presents information in tables with rows and columns.† â€Å"A table is referred to as a relation in the sense that it is a collection of objects of the same type (rows).† â€Å"Data in a table can be related according to common keys or concepts, and the ability to retrieve related data from a table is the basis for the term relational database.† â€Å"A Database Management System (DBMS) handles the way data is stored, maintained, and retrieved.† â€Å"In the case of a relational database, a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) performs these tasks. Oracle, 2014)† Why We Should Implement a Relational Database â€Å"Establishing a relational database management system is a great way to increase data integrity, efficiency, ask questions, sort and filter data, provide stronger security, and share information in one concise design which is very user friendly if developed correctly. Relational databases allow the ability to cross-reference data stored by the business and as a result provide a higher level of integrity.† â€Å"The key to success is in the  foundation of the database’s design.† â€Å"Relationships of data must be accurately assessed and once this connection is established, the rest falls into place rather smoothly. (Goessl, 2009)† Companies Using Relational Data Solution Barrodale Computing Services Ltd, a contractor of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, is an example of a company having success using relational data solutions. The company has a great deal of success with relational databases to include Object Relational Database Management Systems (ORDBMSs). â€Å" The company’s experience in using ORDBMS technology to provide solutions to six applications involving the management of complex data, ranging from integers and text strings to satellite imagery, 4D weather grids, and video.† â€Å"Some of the types of data that might be stored in a meteorological/oceanographic the data has a strong geospatial component, with each feature being localized in space and, optionally, in time. (Barrodale Computing Services Ltd., 2011)† Relational databases are everywhere from computer user accounts at any company using Microsoft’s Active directory service to control access control, to community based libraries who have to switched to electronic checkouts . â€Å"This is mainly due to its capacity to eliminate duplicated data, this also increases the degree of data integrity which helps management or employees make correct decisions based on the information they can extract.† â€Å"There are no worries about the same customer or employee record being duplicated because this is eliminated in the underlying design of the database.† â€Å"Updates are made quickly and everyone with access to the system can view these changes immediately.† â€Å"Decision makers find the aspect of data integrity to be one of the primary business advantages of the relational database. (Goessl, 2009)† Conclusion In conclusion, a relational database will enable our company to transition from our current paper and email based equipment request method to a completely paperless online system. The relational database will allow us to store, filter, make changes to, and share of the data that is needed in our new online equipment ordering system. References Barrodale Computing Services Ltd. (2011). Applications of Object Relational Database Management Systems at BCS. Retrieved from Barrodale Computing Services Ltd. (BCS): http://www.barrodale.com/docs/ORDBMS%20Applications%20at%20BCS.pdf Goessl, L. (2009, November 23). Business Advantages of a Relational Database. Retrieved from Inside Business 360: http://www.insidebusiness360.com/index.php/business-advantages-of-a-relational-database-15806/ Oracle. (2014). A Relational Database Overview. Retrieved from Java Tutorial: http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/jdbc/overview/database.html