The difference between data and information
Why Databases?
•Databases solve many of the problems encountered in data management
–Used in almost all modern settings involving data management:
•Business
•Research
•Administration
•Important to understand how databases work and interact with other applications
Data vs. Information
- Data are raw facts
- Information is the result of processing raw data to reveal meaning
- Information requires context to reveal meaning
- Raw data must be formatted for storage, processing, and presentation
- Data are the foundation of information, which is the bedrock of knowledge
- Data: building blocks of information
- Information produced by processing data
- Information used to reveal meaning in data
- Accurate, relevant, timely information is the key to good decision making
- Good decision making is the key to organizational survival