Drivers for database adoption Which condition(s) led to the development and widespread adoption of databases over traditional file systems?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Databases emerged to solve real problems that traditional file-based systems could not handle well. As organizations grew, so did the complexity, volume, and diversity of their data. Centralized database technology addressed these pain points by offering shared access, reduced redundancy, integrity, and efficient querying.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Business users demanded richer, faster information for decision-making.
  • Data volumes increased with automation and digitization.
  • Independent application files proliferated, creating silos and duplication.


Concept / Approach:
The database approach introduced a schema-centric, integrated store with a DBMS mediating all access. This delivers data independence (programs less tied to file formats), integrity constraints, concurrency control, and a declarative query language. Each listed condition directly pushed organizations away from fragmented files toward centralized databases.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Map “more data demanded” → need for powerful retrieval and analytics.Map “more data handled” → need for scalability, indexing, transactions.Map “file proliferation” → need for integration, reduced redundancy, shared metadata.Conclude that all listed factors contributed → choose “All of the above.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Classic IS literature cites redundancy, inconsistency, and poor sharing in file systems as main catalysts for database technology adoption, confirming each factor’s role.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Selecting only one factor understates the multi-dimensional pressures that drove the shift to DBMS.


Common Pitfalls:
Believing databases arose purely due to “big data.” Even moderate volumes caused problems when split across many siloed files with incompatible structures.


Final Answer:
All of the above

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