Benefits and limitations of desktop versus enterprise database management systems

Databases

Benefits and Limitations of Database Capabilities of Desktop vs. Enterprise DBMS Systems

The use of databases has become pervasive in personal productivity applications including Microsoft Excel and Access, in addition to being supported in open source applications including StarOffice. There are also enterprise-class database management systems (DBMS) that are used for synchronizing the many functions within a company, from coordinating supply chain partners through running factories with ERP systems to supporting customers (O'Leary, 2008). The intent of this paper is to discuss the relative benefits and limitations of each of these types of databases.

Personal productivity databases including Microsoft Access and Excel rely on the standardized graphical interface conventions of Microsoft Office applications and as a result are often easier to use and learn. These applications are often bundled into application suites, making them the least expensive to use. Another benefit is the ability to quickly share databases across users who also have the Microsoft Office suite of applications as well. The limitations of these applications are that they do not integrate easily into real-time process workflows and enterprise systems essential for keeping an enterprise operating (O'Leary, 2008). These personal productivity systems also tend to be islands of customer data that need to be integrated into larger customer information systems to be effective (Zahay, 2008). Enterprise-class DBMS are capable of integrating to broader process workflows due to their underlying technical design. In addition, these DBMS are often used for more advanced customer strategies including data mining, business analytics of customer bases, and the development of long-term loyalty campaigns. All of these types of analysis are not possible on the personal productivity class of databases. The limitations of enterprise DBMS however are the their cost for implementing in larger companies, and the need for training users how to use the many functions in these databases.