Expenditure on computers must justify itself, and there is no better justification than a computer running a database that is a development of a good database design.
Well designed databases are excellent at handling large quantities of information: quickly cheaply, and to the highest quality.
We have been designing and developing databases since 1990, and have used a broad range of database development tools.
Customers approach us with, what can best be treated as an information management problem. It may be that they want to accelerate the processing of forms, present information in a more informative manner, or automate something that is currently done manually.
We talk to the customer, his colleagues and staff, to gain a deep understanding of the nature of that problem. We call this systems analysis. We believe it is essential to understand the problem fully before suggesting a solution. So often, software is written without a full grasp of what it must do.
With a full grasp of the problem, we are then able to envisage a potential database development that is likely to be successful and fit for purpose. We discuss that potential solution with the customer to see if it fits in with their concept of the problem. Sometimes in order to establish the suitability of our software design, we develop and demonstrate a prototype database application which the customer may accept or reject. An accepted design forms the basis of future work. Rejected software designs indicate that our concept of the problem was inaccurate, and needs revisiting.
Database tools are now so sophisticated, that it is possible, with a good grasp of their workings, to produce a working database prototype within days. We use a number of different database development tools, and are always looking for new better ones.
Thirty years ago, businesses employed typists, secretaries and administrators to handle the large quantities of information that businesses regularly deal with. But the labour market has changed, and in the effort to drive down operating costs, computers have largely replaced these staff.
The majority of business information is highly structured, is in relatively high volume, and, though essential to that business, earns that business nothing at all.We will all be database users and database developers in the not too distant future.
The most ubiquitous database tool is the contacts list on a typical mobile phone. It stores our favourite numbers, puts a persons name to the incoming call, helps us make our calls to friends and family, and stores other information about the call and the person too. How many of us use mobile phones without using its built in database? Very few I suspect. There are too many names and numbers for us to remember that much information unassisted. This is what a database is so good at, structuring, retrieving and storing information.
Databases will become easier to use. In order to make the most of a database, it has to be easy to use for the IT savvy and the IT scared. It needs to provide ongoing feedback to users, and to instill trust and confidence. With the wide availability of high quality database tools and software, and improved user training, these changes are taking place.
Sophisticated screen display technology and mobile phone technology will enable us to take our databases everywhere we go.