Databases, Applications & Integration

In the new marketing 2.0 model, databases play an enormous role in allowing the use of both applications and the integration of online tools. Although not all applications use databases to function, many web applications could not function without it. Programs like PHP / MySQL can access over 10,000 rows of data in about 3 milliseconds making it possible for web applications to function quickly and effectively for users. When it comes to client interaction, databases are everything. Databases make it possible for internet users to login to a website account (i.e. YouTube), provide directions and maps to locations (i.e. Google Maps), have your own profile on a social networking site (i.e. MySpace) or even book a flight, hotel or car online (i.e. Surficity Travel) and these are such a few examples.

Integrating Excel spreadsheets or Word documents or other local data from an office onto a web based platform allows for much easier use and accessibility. If someone wanted to pull up data for a file they have been working on, they can just log in from any computer and retrieve that data without any special software or the need to drive to the office. In a world where information is king, the speed and ease at which you can access that information is key to any business' success.

Most websites that allow client interaction are usually database driven. As you browse the internet you can tell if a website is using a database to generate data by the extension it is using at the end of the url. Some examples of common extensions are php, asp, aspx, jsp and cfm. Companies that have chosen to convert their website to a database driven application find that they are able to streamline business, increase efficiency and most importantly users tend to stay longer on dynamic pages than static pages. This means that the company can save money and increase sales volume at the same time; a win win situation for any business.