1.6 Chapter Summary

The purpose of this chapter was to introduce you to the importance of databases and database technology in today's world. Many of our daily activities require the use of databases to retrieve information. Simple things such as sending a text message, going grocery shopping, or even visiting our doctor are supported by database technology.

We also discovered that for almost all occasions where we need some information, we depend on a database. This is especially true when we use our electronic devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones. We frequently look through catalogs for purchases, go to libraries for information, or look up websites for opinions and news.

Even though information is provided in many different forms and formats, the underlying storing and maintaining of data has many common elements. Database Management Systems (DBMS) are highly specialized computer systems that provide all of this underlying technology. A DBMS provides all the tools and functionality required to capture, store, maintain, configure, manipulate, and present raw data in many different forms and formats. The standard method of extracting data from a database by using the DBMS is to write queries using Structure Query Language (SQL).

The chapter also reviews various general business careers and their required database knowledge and skills. As is noted, almost any knowledge-based career in today's society requires substantial database knowledge.