JOURNAL 2

A database management system makes it possible for

multiple authorized users to access the same database from
different places, in different ways, to fulfill different intents.

Databases give you lots of different ways to look at your

data. A request for a specific answer or list from your database

called a "query" can take just a minute or two to write, as

opposed to hand-collating data records or sorting and resorting a

spreadsheet. Plus, you can write standing queries to answer the

questions you ask frequently, so an up-to-the-minute answer is

just seconds away.

The major advantages of a database system approach to

managing data include improving data sharing for users,

improving data security, improving data access and improving

data integration while minimizing data inconsistencies. This will

lead to improved decision making and productivity.

 Microsoft access  is a Database Management System
offered by Microsoft. It uses the Microsoft Jet Database Engine
and comes as a part of the Microsoft Office suite of
application. Microsoft Access offers the functionality of a
database and the programming capabilities to create easy to
navigate screens (forms). It helps you analyze large amounts of
information, and manage data efficiently.

I believe this is an area where we may see some change in

the not-so-distant future. IT started by creating systems so that

people could store data in disks rather than on paper. Those

applications were program-heavy while the data was in

electronic files. Systems now can store data in much more

complex and efficient ways. Relationships between data entities

can exist, we can access data that is not contained within our

systems and businesses are demanding more intelligence out of

their data. Also, for some industries, current data entry methods

which may currently include a person entering data will be

replaced by machines. This may diminish the need for

programming, and the sheer volume and variety of data being

collected may stimulate some IT professionals to pursue a career

in data management.