Databases allow storing files on servers, for example, online shops, and retrieve the information when necessary. A distinct feature of a database is that it is a set of data that can be accessed in various ways. When compared to traditional file storage on a computer, one can argue that databases are more useful since they store information in a structured manner and allow access to it. Hence, within an organisation, different departments can have access to database management, which can be used to contact clients or for data mining to produce forecasts. In most cases, databases are managed using a database management system and the information can be retrieved or modified by applying structured query language (SQL). Hence, the term database describes a structured collection of information that can be managed using SQL.
DBMS is better when compared to flat files because the latter is used for storing raw files. The former, however, is applied when structured data or a dataset needs to be stored, meaning that DBMS is more useful for analysis and application within the company’s operations. Next, DBMS allows users to apply SQL for updating, searching, sorting data and performing other operations, which automates the process. In comparison, flat files are manipulated manually, meaning that with large amounts of data, it can be challenging to use the information stored as flat files. Finally, DBMS can be used in medium and large organisations since this approach allows multiple people to access the datasets when compared to flat files that usually do not provide this opportunity and have to be shared with other users manually. Hence, they are easier to use.