Difference between Centralized and Distributed Database

Centralized Database Distributed Database

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Definition
 A centralized database is a type
of database that contains a
single database located at one
location in the network.
Maintaining Data
 Managing, updating and taking in
backups of data is easier in a
centralized database because
there is only one database file.
Assessing Data
 A centralized database requires
time for accessing data because
multiple users access the
database file. It has a high usage.
Failure
 In a centralized database, if the
database fails, the users do not
have access to a database.
Data Consistency
 Centralized database has more
data consistency. It provides the
complete view to the user.
Example
 Some major banks do all their
processing on a mainframe, in some
cases in a different country.
 Clients may use several branches, and
online banking for transaction.
Definition
 A distributed database is a type
of database that contains two or
more database files located at
different locations in the
network.
Maintaining Data
 There are multiple database files
in a distributed database, it
requires time to synchronize
data.
Assessing Data
 In a distributed database, the
speed in accessing the data is
higher because the data is
retrieved from the nearest
database file.
Failure
 In a distributed database, if one
database fails, the users can still
access other database files.
Data Consistency
 Distributed database can have
data replications. Therefore,
there can be some data
inconsistency.
Example
 Google: Use a DBMS called Bigtable.