Distributed Database (Goals, Types, Advantages and Disadvantages)
Definition
Distributed database system is database which is integrated with collection of databases which are physically connected to a computer network. It is not limited to a single system but it is spread over different computer networks or multiple databases. In today’s modern world, data is managed to help out the business activities which has spread globally.
Features
To properly synchronize the whole process and data through a platform or network to eliminate the geographical distance, a centralized database management system is used. It is present as single local database within the building or outside can be accessible to all the users.
The question arises here how the data is distributed in different computer system in different places with a computer network? Distributed database management system is the software which provides facilities to users to store and access data and information.
Goals of distributed database:
The concept of distributed database management system is to store the data to different locations. There are number of goals to distribute the data.
Reliability
Distributed database management system is more reliable if any of the connected computer system is failed to perform then other computers can complete the task without delay.
Availability
If a computer server fails to perform and stopped working in any time the other computer servers can perform the task as requested.
Performance
The data and information can be accessed from distributed database management systems from different locations. It is very easy to handle and maintain.
Type of distributed database
There are two types of distributed database system with respect to data and its storage.
Homogeneous
The homogeneous database system is the network in which all site/systems are homogeneous. The operating system, database management system and data structure used in all these sites are installed in the same vendor. All the data and information is accessed and modified simultaneously. Homogeneous database system is very easy to access and handle.
Heterogeneous
The heterogeneous distributed database management system is the network of two or more databases which has different type of database management systems. These systems can store data in different storage machines. These systems can use different operating systems and different database management systems like relational, network or hierarchical. Query processing is more complex.
Advantages of Distributed database system
Reliable
In distributed database management system, if any connected system fails to do work then there is no effect on the performance of the system. It continues functioning and it is more reliable than other simple database management system.
Low communication cost
Data and information is stored locally in distributed database management system. Its communication cost and data manipulation become easy and less costly.
Modular development
Modulation in distributed database management system is so easy. More systems can be manipulated and installed by just installing and connecting with the distributed database system with no interruption and failure.
Better response
All the computer system are installed centrally and can process any query with in shortest possible time. It provides faster response due to centralized processing of database management systems.
Data recovery
Data can be easily recovered in distributed database management systems.
Disadvantages of Distributed database system
Data integrity
Data is updated on multiple sites can cause problems. Data integrity is more complex and very hard to handle.
Duplication of data
Same type of data is stored in different systems make duplication of data. It takes much space to store the same data in different computer systems in distributed database management systems.
Improper data distribution
Improper data distribution can lead to slow response in processing of query. Same data is stored in different computers can create more problems in distributed database management systems.
Less processing speed
Much communication is needed to a simple query to perform. In this reason ample time period is required to solve a specific problem.
Read also:
-> 9 Types of Databases
-> Personal Database
-> Relational Database
-> Relational Vs. Non-Relational Database
-> Examples of Relational Database