All this data needs to reside somewhere; specifically, within a database.
Databases are complex software programs that catalog and provide access to
data. Although the data is usually stored on a disk storage system, the database
software manages how that data is stored and managed.
Businesses use databases to store their data because the size and complexity
of their data often exceed what can be stored on a spreadsheet. Most business
and scientific activities, and many social activities involving technology
will require the creation, access, updating, or deleting of data at some level.
It is database software that allows these activities occur in a fast, efficient
manner.
