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App Development
6 minutes read

Database Development Explained

By Jose Gomez
By Jose Gomez
App Development
6 minutes read

Modern web services and mobile apps are powered by data, making database development a critical task your organization should not overlook. Businesses today collect and rely on massive amounts of data to make strategic decisions and improve their product and service offerings. Without the right database tools, your organization could miss valuable insights and business opportunities. 

This post will explain database design and development, the benefits it can provide your business, and common things you should consider when deciding if custom database development is the right choice for your business.

What Is Database Development and Design? 

A database is a structured form of data stored in software that is used to perform business operations more efficiently. Database development is a complex process that involves analyzing an organization’s goals and objectives and developing a solution to store and organize its raw data. There are four core steps database developers follow when building a database.

  1. Understand business requirements
  2. Conceptual modeling 
  3. Logical modeling 
  4. Physical modeling 

Understand Business Requirements 

The first stage of a good database development process is understanding the organization’s requirements. There are several different types of databases, and they serve different purposes. Therefore, before development can begin, database programmers need to know if you want a relational or non-relational database and the specific hardware if any that you want to use. 

Relational databases, like an SQL server, store data in columns, rows, and tables, and data from multiple tables are linked together. Non-relational databases store data based on the type of file stored; they don’t use a table structure. For example, document storage could have a different storage model than images. 

The optimal database design for your needs will depend on your requirements. For example, a database to manage customer relationships will vary from big data analysis databases or inventory management databases. 

Conceptual Modeling 

Once a database developer finishes analyzing requirements and knows what your business needs are, they can begin the process of developing your database. The first thing most database developers do is create a conceptual data model for the initial system. 

A conceptual data model describes what the database will contain. Database developers create conceptual data models to organize, define, and scope the business rules and concepts that drive the database. 

Conceptual modeling gives developers a chance to organize priorities and collaborate with stakeholders in the business regarding the final system. 

Logical Modeling 

After creating and discussing the conceptual data model with stakeholders, database developers can build a logical data model. The logical data model describes how the database will be implemented regardless of the database management system used

Developers build logical data models with the aid of business analysts to create a technical roadmap of different data structures, essential formats, and governing rules. This essential part of the database development process helps ensure that the database and functional units being developed fit business requirements and operations. 

Physical Modeling 

The final stage of database development is physical data modeling. A physical data model defines how the database will be implemented using a specific database management system. Database developers create physical data models to aid in implementing the database they designed and developed. Physical modeling also helps developers generate the database schema. 

The Benefits of Database Development 

Your organization could buy off-the-shelf database management systems, but these solutions don’t offer the same benefits as custom database development. In addition, handling a HiTech database on your own could be a tall task for your organization. Here are some of the reasons you should consider database development:

  • Strategize 
  • Customize 
  • Support 

Strategize

Like any other aspect of your business operations, you should have an expert helping guide your database strategy. Priorities change over time, and challenges can arise when you least expect them. A benefit of custom database development services is that you will have experts helping your organization strategize in the present and future. 

For example, database developers can help your organization implement new raw data collection and analysis strategies that create more opportunities for your business. Plus, database programmers can help your team plan and implement more stringent data security measures. 

Customize 

Every business has different processes and goals. A one-size-fits-all off-the-shelf database management system might not be the right choice for your business. The primary benefit of database development services is that a custom solution can be created to meet all of your needs. Whether you want to develop a database to analyze big data using Machine Learning or create a database to help you store and manage customer data, a custom solution will add more value to your business and enhance your decision-making processes. 

Support 

Databases, like any software, require ongoing maintenance and support. Working with a skilled database developer will give you the option to have ongoing support and maintenance services for your database. Not only do things sometimes go wrong or break and require support, but sometimes large databases can use a little optimization to improve performance. 

Database developers can help you keep your custom database solution secure and running efficiently. Plus, if anything goes wrong, you have a dedicated expert who can help you troubleshoot any problems you may have. 

Do You Need Database Development Services? 

There are several reasons why your business could use database development. Still, you might think that now is not the right time or that maybe it is not as critical to your business operations. Those are fair things to consider. However, if one of the following statements applies to your business, you probably need database development: 

  • Systems crash frequently and cause significant downtime.
  • Your business has multiple databases that communicate with one another, but employees have to upload the same old data multiple times.
  • Your competition is using newer technology. 

Database development is valuable because it can help your business streamline operations and provide better customer service. If your competition can offer better service, your organization will quickly lose customers and market share. Don’t hold onto legacy systems that slow down your operations and frustrate your employees. 

Final Thoughts 

Database development can significantly improve your business operations and processes. If you need help determining the best option for your organization, reach out to an app development partner. A partner will be able to explain all of your options, help you create a strategy that fits your business, and provide robust database development services. 

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