Fundamentals of Database Management Systems, Second Edition

CHAPTER 1

DATA: THE NEW CORPORATE RESOURCE

The development of database management systems, as well as the development of I modern computers, came about as a result of society's recognition of the crucial importance of storing, managing, and retrieving its rapidly expanding volumes of business data. To understand how far we have come in this regard, it is important to know where we began and how the concept of managing data has developed. This chapter begins with the historical background of the storage and uses of data and then continues with a discussion of the importance of data to the modern corporation.

OBJECTIVES

• Explain why humankind's interest in data dates back to ancient times.
• Describe how data needs have historically driven many information technology developments.
• Describe the evolution of data storage media during the last century.
• Relate the idea of data as a corporate resource that can be used to gain a competitive advantage to the development of the database management systems environment.

CHAPTER OUTLINE

Introduction

The History of Data

• The Origins of Data
• Data Through the Ages
• Early Data Problems Spawn Calculating Devices
• Swamped with Data
• Modern Data Storage Media

Data in Today's Information Systems Environment

• Using Data for Competitive Advantage
• Problems in Storing and Accessing Data
• Data as a Corporate Resource
• The Database Environment

Summary

INTRODUCTION

What a fascinating world we live in today! Technological advances are all around us in virtually ...