 Integrated set of data files  allows easy cross-referencing of related data items  promotes integrity  eliminates redundancy

 Allow to manipulate data  Create reports  Handle individual enquires  F.M.S. works with only one file at time

 Hierarchical  Network  Relational

 Data items and references are related in a top-down structure  Makes possible orderly navigation of paths to the desired information  The same path must be followed for each access operation

 There’s always a hierarchical structure “Random Access” is possible Multiple access paths are possible between records

 A series of files organized as data tables  Some relation tables to link data together “Random Access” is possible

Some essencial facilities:  Create (table with fields)  Insert (records into tables)  Amend and delete  Search