A shared database that is used by multiple users and applications should satisfy which of the following important characteristics?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests general understanding of the quality attributes required for a shared database environment. In multi user and multi application scenarios, a database acts as a central resource that must be trustworthy, resilient, and well protected. Recognizing these attributes is critical for both designers and administrators.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The database is shared among multiple users and applications.- Several desired characteristics are listed as options.- One option suggests that all of the listed characteristics are required.

Concept / Approach:
A shared database must provide accurate and up to date information so that users can rely on its contents. It must also be available when needed to support operations. Backup and recovery mechanisms protect against hardware failures, software bugs, and human errors. Security is necessary to prevent unauthorized reading, writing, or destruction of data. Since all three aspects are fundamental to a sound database system, the correct answer should recognize the combination of these characteristics as essential.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider accuracy and availability. Without correct data or reliable access, a shared database cannot support business processes.Step 2: Evaluate backup and recovery. In the event of failure or data corruption, the database must be restorable to a consistent state.Step 3: Examine security. Sensitive data must be protected through authentication, authorization, and auditing.Step 4: Recognize that each of these characteristics addresses a different but equally important aspect of quality.Step 5: Option D combines all three, stating that all of the above are required.Step 6: Option E, claiming none are important, clearly contradicts standard database guidelines.

Verification / Alternative check:
Database administration best practices emphasize availability, integrity, and confidentiality as core goals. These map directly to being accurate and available, having backup and recovery, and providing security. Reference models such as the CIA triad in information security further confirm that shared data stores must meet all these criteria, not just one or two.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A focuses only on accuracy and availability but ignores resilience and security. Option B addresses backup and recovery but does not ensure ongoing accuracy or controlled access. Option C addresses security but without accuracy and resilience the database would still be unreliable. Option E rejects all important qualities and is therefore incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
Some may think that backup and recovery are optional or that security can be deferred until later, but in a shared environment weaknesses in any one of these areas can cause serious problems. For example, a secure but unavailable database is useless, while an available but inaccurate database can be dangerous. Proper design balances all three characteristics from the beginning.

Final Answer:
A shared database should be accurate, available, backed up with recovery mechanisms, and secure, so all of the above is correct.