database management system (DBMS)

Definition
Computer program that catalogs, indexes, locates, retrieves, and stores data, maintains its integrity, and outputs it in the form desired by a user. Unlike a data processing system (which manipulates and transforms data), a DBMS performs only minimal mathematical operations. Its overall purpose is to organize and manage data, and make it available on demand.

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A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality (for example, the availability of rooms in hotels), in a way that supports processes requiring this information (for example, finding a hotel with vacancies). The term "database" refers both to the way its users view it, and to the logical and physical materialization of its data, content, in files, computer memory, and computer data storage. This definition is very general, and is independent of the technology used. However, not every collection of data is a database; the term database implies that the data is managed to some level of quality (measured in terms of accuracy, availability, usability, and resilience) and this in turn often implies the use of a general-purpose Database management system (DBMS). A general-purpose DBMS is typically a complex software system that meets many usage requirements, and the databases that it maintains are often large and complex

The database concept

The database concept has evolved since the 1960s to ease increasing difficulties in designing, building, and maintaining complex information systems (typically with many concurrent endusers, and with a large amount of data). It has evolved together with the evolvement of Database management systems (DBMSs) which enable the effective handling of databases. Though the terms database and DBMS define different entities, they are inseparable: A database's properties are determined by its supporting DBMS and vice-versa. The Oxford English dictionary cites a 1962 technical report as the first to use the term "database." With the progress in technology in the areas of processors, computer memory, computer storage. and computer networks, the sizes, capabilities, and performance of databases and their respective DBMSs have grown in orders of magnitudes. For decades it has been unlikely that a complex information system can be built effectively without a proper database supported by a DBMS. No widely accepted exact definition exists for DBMS. However, a system needs to provide considerable functionality (broadly defined by the requirements below) to qualify as a DBMS. Accordingly its supported data collection needs to meet respective usability requirements to qualify as a database

management information system (MIS)

Definition
An organized approach to the study of the information needs of an organization's management at every level in making operational, tactical, and strategic decisions. Its objective is to design and implement procedures, processes, and routines that provide suitably detailed reports in an accurate, consistent, and timely manner. In a management information system, modern, computerized systems continuously gather relevant data, both from inside and outside an organization. This data is then processed, integrated, and stored in a centralized database (or data warehouse) where it is constantly updated and made available to all who have the authority to access it, in a form that suits their purpose.
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networking
Definition
Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit. Networking is based on the question "How can I help?" and not with "What can I get?"

topology
Definitions (2)
1. General: Study of physical space which, unlike geometry, is not concerned with exact dimensions and angles but with those properties of a surface that remain unaffected by distortion such as contiguity, order, and relative position. 2. Networking: Map of the wiring scheme of a network. It depicts where computers and devices (nodes) such as bridges, gateways, routers are located and how they are interconnected. Networks are usually configured in bus, ring, or star topologies or their hybrids.

IMPORTANCE OF MIS: 1. MIS is always management oriented and keeps in view every level of management and gets

the desired information. 2. Integrated - refers to how diff components(sub systems) are actually tied up together. eg: diff departments of organization linked together. 3. Useful for planning - as every organization makes log-term and short-term plans with the help of information like sales & production, capital investments, stocks etc management can easily plan.. 4. Effective MIS helps the management to know deviations of actual performance from pre-set targets and control things. 5. its important for increasing efficiency. 6.MIS provides updated results of various departments to management. 7.MIS is highly computerized so it provides accurate results. 8.MIS adds to the intelligence, alertness, awareness of managers by providing them information in the form of progress and review reports of an ongoing activity. 9.Helps managers in decision- making.