Advantages and Disadvantages of DBMS

In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of database or DBMS. If you want to understand about database and DBMS then you should know what are the advantages and disadvantages of the database or DBMS. So let’s discuss

Table of Contents

Advantages of Database

Data Abstraction

Data abstraction means, to hide the complexity of data from the basic users.
DBMS abstracts the data from the users, which is not useful for the users. It shows only those data which are useful to the users.

Controlling Data Redundancy

Data redundancy means having multiple copies of the same data.
DBMS controls the data redundancy and integrates all data into a single database file.
Controlling the data redundancy also helps to save our storage space and increase retrieval and update speed.

Minimized Data inconsistency

Data inconsistency means that different files may contain different information about a particular object or person.
If DBMS has reduced the data redundancy then the database system leads the better data consistency.
Our data items appear only once (no redundancy) so the updated values are immediately available to all users.

Data Manipulation Easily

In DBMS, Data can be manipulated easily, because data is centralized so once the data structure is defined, we can easily change in the data like- insertion, modification, or deletion.

Data can be shared

Data can be shared easily by multiple applications in centralized DBMS. The applications can be developed without having to create any newly stored files.
The DBMS helps to develop a friendly environment where end-users can access and manage data.

Data Security

Data is very important for any business organization. The more users access the data, the higher risks of data security breaches. If someone stole business data then it would be very bad for business. So a company will never want any outsider to come and access the company’s data. The business organization invests plenty amount of time, effort, and money to ensure that its data are used by only authorized users.
DBMS provides data security means protecting your precious data from unauthorized access. Data can be access only by authorized users of the organization.
A database can be accessed only by proper authentication usually by verifying login and password.

Support Multi-users Views

Multi-users can view the data at the same time.
Using the database, many users can access the data at the same time which increases our working speed.
DBMS gives the ability for its multiple authorized users to access the same database from different locations, in different ways, to complete its different works.

Concurrent Access

Several users can access the database concurrently.

Helps for Decision Making

Better organized data and improved data access give us better quality information which helps for making better decisions.

You should also read this: Data & Database, DBMS, Database Users, ER Model, DBMS Keys

Disadvantages of Database

Cost of hardware and software: To run the DBMS software, we need a high-speed processor and a large memory size is required which causes expensive hardware to be needed.
Cost of data conversion: When a computer file-based system is replaced with a database system, then the data stored in data files must be converted into database files. It is the difficult and time-consuming method to convert the data of data files into database
Cost of staff training: DBMS are often complex systems, so training is required for the users to use the DBMS. The organization has to be paid plenty of amount for the training of workers to run the database management system.
Complexity: DBMSs can be complex to set up, configure, and maintain, particularly for large and/or sophisticated systems.
Performance issues: As the number of users and data grows, DBMS may become slow to query and update.
Dependence on the system: Organizations may become dependent on a specific DBMS and may find it difficult to switch to a different system if needed.
Data integrity: Ensuring the consistency and accuracy of data stored in a database can be challenging, particularly in systems with multiple users.
Scalability: Databases can be difficult to scale horizontally to accommodate increasing amounts of data and users.
Limited security: DBMSs can be vulnerable to unauthorized access, hacking, and other security threats, and may not have built-in security features to protect sensitive data.
Limited scalability: Some DBMSs may not be able to handle large amounts of data or a high number of concurrent users.
Limited flexibility: Some DBMSs may not be able to support certain types of data or applications.

Video Explanation

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