What is Centralized Database?
You may have heard the term “centralized database system” and not known what it means.
In a traditional database system, data is stored in multiple files. For example, each customer’s data might be stored in a separate file. In contrast, a centralized database system stores all of the data in one file. This makes it easier to manage the data, and it’s also easier to search the data because it’s all stored in the same place.
With the popularity of computers, it needs to be a system to store data and information from different locations. Numbers of techniques are being used in different computers to store and access information through a network channel. These techniques are known as database management systems which have different protocols to store data and information.
Definition
Centralized database management system is the system in which all the data is stored and managed in a single unit. This is also known as central computer database system. This system is mostly used in an organization, in any Business Company or in institution to centralize the tasks.
Data can be accessed through a network Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). Mainframe computer is the example of centralized database management system.
Functions of centralized database
Distributed query processing
The basic function of centralized database management system is to provide facility and give access to all the connected computers which fulfill all requirements requested by any single node.
Single central unit
All the data and information are stored in single centralized database management system. The computer system which fulfills the requirements of all the connected computers is known as server and other computers are known as clients.
Transparency
All the queries are processed in a single computer system also known as server. There is no duplication or irrelevant data stored in this management system. All connected computer has the access to central computer for their query processing and requirement.
Scalable
No of computers can be added in this centralized database management system. These computers are connected to the system through a network.
What are centralized databases used for?
Centralized databases are often used by organizations to store data that is shared by many users. These are used for storing customer information, inventory data, financial records, and more.
They can be used by small businesses or large enterprises. When compared to other databases, they offer a number of benefits over other types of databases.
Centralized database can be accessed by anyone with the proper permissions. This means that multiple people can work on the same data at the same time, which can be a huge time-saver.
It also allows for better collaboration, as people can easily share data and ideas reliably.
This is because they are hosted on servers that are designed to be up and running all the time. This means that if one server goes down, the others can still be accessed.
Advantage of centralized database system:
Data integrity
Data is more unified as it stored in single computer system and managed. It is easier to communicate and coordinate to get more reliable and meaningful data.
Data redundancy
Data is centralized and stored in one location only. There is no duplication of data and irrelevancy in data.
Data security
Due to storage of data in centralized computer system, the security of data needs to be stronger. Centralized database management system is more secure and more efficient.
Scalability and localization
New computer systems can be added or removed in centralized database management system more easily.
Data portability
Data can be easily transferred from one computer to another computer because it is stored in centralized database management system.
Lesser cost and maintenance
The centralized database system is cheaper in installation and maintenance than other database management systems and it required single storage system and data can be accessed by all the connected computers.
Disadvantage of centralized database system
Slow processing
In centralized database management system, data is stored in one location and it access and processing speed is lesser than other management system. It requires more time to access the data from one location.
Less efficiency
If the multiple users try to access and process query toward server simultaneously then it creates problem. The processing speed of the central computer turns into low. These problems may reduce the efficiency.
Loss of data
In centralized database management system, if any system failure occurs or any data is lost, then it is not recovered.
Centralized VS Decentralized Databases
Centralized databases follow a traditional client-server model, where data is stored and managed on a central server or a cluster of servers, whereas, decentralized databases, also known as distributed databases, are designed to address the limitations of centralized databases.
This table shows the differences between centralized and distributed databases.
| Aspect | Centralized Databases | Decentralized Databases |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Client-server model | Peer-to-peer or distributed network |
| Data Storage | Single central location | Replicated across multiple nodes |
| Control | Centralized control | Decentralized control |
| Scalability | Vertical scaling (hardware upgrades) | Horizontal scaling (adding nodes) |
| Fault Tolerance | Single point of failure | Resilient to node failures |
| Data Consistency | Robust mechanisms | Challenging to maintain |
| Security | Advanced security features | Cryptographic techniques and consensus mechanisms |
| Management | Simplified administration | Distributed administration |
| Transparency | Limited transparency | High transparency |
| Advantages | – Ease of management – Data consistency – Security | – Resilience and fault tolerance – Scalability – Transparency and trust |
| Disadvantages | – Single point of failure – Scalability challenges – Centralized control | – Complexity – Data consistency challenges – Adoption and integration |
In conclusion, the choice between a centralized or decentralized database depends on your specific requirements, such as scalability, fault tolerance, data ownership, and transparency.
Centralized databases are well-suited for applications that prioritize ease of management, data consistency, and advanced security features. On the other hand decentralized databases better in scenarios that demand resilience, scalability, and decentralized control over data.
We may also see hybrid approaches that combine the strengths of both architectures.
Further Reading
- 9 Types of Databases
- Distributed Database
- Personal Database
