TechTuesday

Data-basics

May 23, 2006

Don't let your database run your organization

Databases are generally tools for structuring data, creating relationships between the data and creating a means for accessing the data and the relationships. It sounds simple but if you ask eight people for a definition of a database, you’ll probably get eight different answers.

On May 23, CCTS hosted “Database-ics!” to give Baltimore nonprofits a closer look at databases. Being thoughtful and thorough about what info goes into a database will help when it’s time to get that information out of the system.

From your Netflix log-in and queue to Google’s search engine display, we see databases everywhere. But if they’re so prevalent, why are they still so confusing? Because there probably isn’t one magical database that is going to solve your problems. You need to consider whyyou need a database; who needs to use it and what do they need to do with it?

In the planning stage of your database development, you will need to think about your goals as an organization; you need to analyze what assumptions you’re making about those goals and research to see whether the assumptions are grounded in reality. You may find that some of the database goals are based on false beliefs.

Once you’ve vetted your goals, it’s time to look at requirements and carefully assess who needs to use the database and what will they do with the data? Putting the needs of the user at the front of the design process will help guide the database development in a functional direction.

And be sure to consider your options carefully when it’s time to decide whether you should “Buy or Build.”

We have strong opinions about databases at CCTS. If you’re in the midst of a database decision, feel free to give us a call and we’ll share our thoughts with you!

About TechTuesday

CCTS hosts TechTuesday to provide a forum for Baltimore’s nonprofit professionals to expand their knowledge of technology issues.

TechTuesday workshops are free of charge. If you have suggestions for a future TechTuesday workshop, let us know!

Get in touch

Do you have questions? Comments? We’d love to hear from you.
email: ccts@ubalt.edu
phone: (410) 837-6741