Distributed Databases

A distributed database is a collection of multiple interconnected databases, which are spread physically across various locations that communicate via a computer network.

A distributed DBMS manages the distributed database in a manner so that it appears as one single database to users.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DISTRIBUTED DATABASES ARE:-

• Databases in the collection are logically interrelated with each other. Often they represent a single logical database.
• Data is physically stored across multiple sites. Data in each site can be managed by a DBMS independent of the other sites.
• The processors in the sites are connected via a network. They do not have any multiprocessor configuration.
• A distributed database is not a loosely connected file system.
• A distributed database incorporates transaction processing, but it is not synonymous with a transaction processing system.

A distributed database management system (DDBMS) is a centralized software system that manages a distributed database in a manner as if it were all stored in a single location. It is used to create, delete, and update the database. It ensures that the data modified at any site is universally updated. It is designed for heterogeneous database platforms and maintains the confidentiality and data integrity of the databases.