Difference Between Distributed Database and Centralized Database
The centralized database is a database where data is stored and maintained in a single place. This is the traditional approach to store data in large companies. The distributed database is a database where data is stored in the storage devices that are not found in the same physical location, but the database is controlled using a management system central database (DBMS).
What is the Centralized Database?
In a centralized database, all data of an organization are kept in a single computer as a central processor or server. Users in remote locations access data by using WAN by application software provided to access data. The centralized database (the central processor or server) should be able to satisfy all requests from the system; this is why it creates restricted access. But since all data resides in a single location it easier to maintain and support data. In addition, it is easier to maintain the integrity of data, because once the data is stored in a centralized database, out-of-date data is no longer available in other places.
What is Distributed database?
In a distributed database, data is stored in storage devices that are situated in different physical locations. They are not attached to a common central unit, but the database is controlled by the central DBMS. Data can be accessed by users in a distributed database by accessing the WAN. The process of copying and replication are used for keeping the database updated. After identifying the changes in distributed database, the replication process applies them to ensure that all the distributed databases look the same. Depending on the number of distributed databases, the process can be time consuming and complex. Duplication identifies a database as master database and creates duplicate copy of it. This process is not complicated as the replication process, but ensures that all distributed databases have the same data.
What is the difference between the Database and Distributed Database Centralized?
A centralized database stores data in the storage devices located at one place and they are connected to a single CPU, while a system of distributed database keeps its data in the storage devices that may be situated in different geographical locations and administered by a central DBMS. A centralized database is easier to maintain and keep updated, as all data is stored in a single place. In addition, it is easier to maintain the integrity of data and avoid the need for keeping copies of data. However, all the requirements for accessing data are processed by one entity like a solo mainframe, and this is why it could easily become a blockage. But with distributed databases, we can avoid the blockage since the databases are parallelized which balances the load between a number of servers. But to maintaining data in the distributed database needs additional work, thus increasing the cost of maintenance and complexity and also requires additional software for this purpose. In addition, the creation of databases for distributed database is more complex than the same for a centralized database.