Single user database applications - Payroll accountants use software such as QuickBooks, Peachtree and Mas90 for compiling reports and tracking data.
Multiuser database applications – PowerPM is a database server software package that runs off of a file server for multiuser access. This would benefit an educational service such as an online library, where numerous student logins are needed.
A large complicated database application example would be Google's BigTable. It consists of multiple tiers of categories for searches, maps, music, images, news, etc. You name it, its in there. According to Google whitepaper on the subject:
A Bigtable is a sparse, distributed, persistent multidimensional sorted map. The map is indexed by a row key, column key, and a timestamp; each value in the map is an uninterpreted array of bytes.
Users – implements, administers and uses the database application to read, enter, query and report data.
Database application – a computer program(s) that acts as an interface between the user and the database management system. The programs read and edit the database by sending code to the DBMS. It also produces reports for the user. These programs can be commercial off the shelf or custom created.
SQL – the structured query language, compatible with all DBMS products, is the code that users send through the database application to manipulate the data.
Database Management System – the DBMS creates, processes and administers the actual database. It translates the instructions from the user, through the applications into actions on the database.
Database – a structured collection of tabled data pertaining to a relevant design model.
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Applications Running over Corporate Network – a client/server relationship where the users client application connects to a dedicated database server.
E-Commerce applications via Web server – the user connects to a web server via client application to gather the data needed.
Web portal with Reporting Applications – the reporting application that resides on the network publishes query results on a corporate portal or site.
XML Web Services Applications – the XML language allows for cross program communication and the distribution on multiple computers for data
