Database Management A database management system (DBMS) is computer software designed for the purpose of managing databases. Typical examples of DBMSs include Oracle, IBM's DB2, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, 4th Dimension, and FileMaker. DBMSs are generally used by database administrators in creating database systems. DBMSs allow the user to store, modify and extract information from a database. There are many different types of DBMS, ranging from small systems running on personal computers to large systems running on mainframes. Computerized library systems, ATMs, flight reservation systems, and computerized inventory systems are some of the examples of database applications. The DBMS accepts requests for data from the application program and instructs the operating system to transfer the appropriate data. Database software allows users, who are not programmers, the ability to extract data from a specific database and turn it into user-friendly information. When a DBMS is used, information systems can be modified much more easily as the organization's information requirements change. . New data categories can be added to the database without disrupting the existing system. Organizations can use one type of DBMS for day-to-day transaction processing, then move the details to another computer that uses another DBMS better suited for casual investigation and analysis. Overall system design decisions are made by data administrators and systems analysts. Detailed database design is performed by database administrators. Riordan Manufacturing has three operating entities: Georgia, Michigan and California… as well as a joint venture in the People's Republic of China. Fundamentally, the operating entities each have their own financial and accounting systems and provide consolidated inputs at corporate headquarters in San Jose. The finance and accounting (F&A) department has not been able to achieve anything even remotely resembling “perfect fit.” Some F&A data is provided to the company via data files; some data is provided via paper reports and must be re-entered; some data is provided via data files but must be converted (redirected) to the correct account codes. In the sales department, each member of the sales force maintains their own set of customer records using a variety of tools. Some sales team members use pencil and paper, others use sales management software like Act, and others a hybrid. Marketing, Sales and F&A departments have their own databases and data cannot be transferred from one database to another. The current data management system can be improved by using client/server.