Home > Topics > Big Data Analysis > Traditional Data Management Systems

Traditional Data Management Systems

Before Big Data, there was "Just Data" – and it was managed very differently!


1. What are Traditional Data Management Systems?

Definition: Software systems designed to store, retrieve, and manage structured data in an organized manner.

The Old-School Approach: Think of it like a well-organized library:

  • 📚 Books arranged by category (structured)
  • 🗂️ Dewey Decimal System (schema/rules)
  • 📖 You know exactly where each book is (predictable)

2. Types of Traditional Systems

Loading diagram…


3. RDBMS - The King of Traditional Systems 👑

Full Form: Relational Database Management System

Examples:

  • MySQL (used by Facebook initially)
  • Oracle Database (HDFC Bank, Indian Railways)
  • Microsoft SQL Server (Many Indian corporations)
  • PostgreSQL (Open-source alternative)

How It Works:

Imagine a B.Com college database:

Students Table:

Student_IDNameCourse
101RajB.Com
102PriyaB.Com

Attendance Table:

Student_IDDatePresent
1012024-01-10Yes
1022024-01-10No

The Magic: You can "join" these tables using Student_ID to see Raj's attendance!


4. Key Features of Traditional Systems

✅ ACID Properties (Super Important for Exams!)

PropertyMeaningExample
AtomicityAll or nothingBank transfer: Money debits from Account A AND credits to Account B (both must happen!)
ConsistencyData follows rulesAccount balance cannot be negative
IsolationTransactions don't interfereTwo people buying the last concert ticket - only one succeeds
DurabilityData is permanentOnce saved, it stays saved (even if power fails)
Exam Formula 📝

ACID = Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability. Always explain with banking example for full marks!


5. SQL - The Language of RDBMS

SQL (Structured Query Language) is how you "talk" to traditional databases.

Common Commands:

-- Find all B.Com students
SELECT * FROM Students WHERE Course = 'B.Com';

-- Count total students
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM Students;

-- Update student name
UPDATE Students SET Name = 'Rajesh' WHERE Student_ID = 101;

Why Students Love It: Easy to learn, logical, English-like!


6. Traditional System Architecture

User → Application → Database Server → Storage

Example - IRCTC Old System:

  1. User: You search for trains
  2. Application: IRCTC website
  3. Database: Oracle Database with train schedules
  4. Storage: Hard disks storing millions of records

Problem: During Tatkal booking at 10 AM, the system would crash because too many users hit it simultaneously!


7. Advantages of Traditional Systems

Loading comparison…


8. Where They're Still Used Today

Traditional ≠ Obsolete!

Even in 2024, traditional systems power:

  • 🏦 All Indian banks (Core Banking Systems)
  • 🚂 Railway reservations (improved now, but still RDBMS)
  • 📊 Tally (accounting software)
  • 🏢 SAP/Oracle ERP (enterprise management)

Why?: For transactional data (money, invoices, stock), RDBMS is still the best!


9. Real-World Example - SBI Bank

System: Oracle Database
Data Stored:

  • Customer accounts
  • Transaction history
  • Loan records
  • Fixed deposits

Daily Operations:

  • 70 million+ accounts
  • Millions of transactions/day
  • All ACID-compliant (critical for money!)

Summary for Exams

  • RDBMS: Stores structured data in tables
  • ACID Properties: Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability
  • SQL: Language to interact with databases
  • Strengths: Structure, reliability, proven track record
  • Still Relevant: Banking, accounting, ERP systems
Exam Tip

When comparing traditional vs Big Data systems, NEVER say "traditional is bad" – say "traditional is perfect for structured transactional data, but struggles with volume/variety/velocity"


Quiz Time! 🎯

Loading quiz…