Simply put, a database is a computerized record keeping system. A database
might be as complex and demanding as an account tracking system used by a
bank to manage the constantly changing accounts of thousands of bank
customers. A database may also be quite simple such as a simple as a collection of electronic business
cards on your laptop. Databases are used in web sites to accomplish the
following three functions:
Managing Information
Databases are perfect for managing large amounts of
information. The information is broken down into records and fields. Think
of your address book as a paper database. Each person in your address book
would be considered a record. The fields would be the unique items that make
up the record. Using the address book example, the fields would be First
Name, Last Name, Phone Number, Address, etc.
Manipulating Information
When you place information into a database, the functionality of searching
and categorizing is created. In the world of the Internet, you can allow a
user to search through the information in the database by using keywords.
The user may also categorize the information in any manner or break it down
into smaller parts. Using an online bookstore
as an example, the bookstore would contain its entire inventory of books in
a database. You can then search that database by using keywords such as the
title of the book, or the author’s name. Further, you could categorize the
information by selecting to see a list of books by publication date. In
addition, you could select certain parameters such as displaying a list of
books by Canadian authors in the 20th century. Databases make finding the
right information a quick and easy process for the user.
Making Updates Easily
Databases are a simple and proven way for you to add, edit, delete or
archive information from your web site. Basically, we at Rebel Trail will
create a "back-end" system that allows you to maintain the information
in your database from any computer connected to the Internet - without you
needing any special knowledge of web site creation. As a Rebel Trail client, you
will be given a
special, password-protected area of your web site, where you can manage your
databases all by using simple forms – and the data is updated on your web
site instantly.
It should be noted that Rebel Trail is happy to provide
training on the maintenance of the databases. We normally allot a half-hour
phone consultation on how to maintain and update the information using our
simple forms. Our back-end systems are so easy, that generally the training
takes less than 10 minutes. However, if you require more training time, we
would be happy to assist at no additional charge.
