Digital foundations and emerging technologies

Databases store, organise, and manage structured data, enabling efficient access and retrieval. Historically, data was stored in physical files and filing cabinets, requiring manual retrieval and organisation. The advent of digital databases allowed instant access, advanced search capabilities, and large-scale data processing.  

Effective data management ensures accuracy, security, and compliance with regulations, making it an essential component of modern digital infrastructure. 

Why it matters 

• Facilitates efficient storage and retrieval of large datasets. 
• Supports informed decision-making through data analysis and visualisation. 
• Ensures data integrity, security, and compliance with privacy laws. 

• Database management systems (DBMS): Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, MySQL. 
• Cloud-based databases: Microsoft Azure SQL Database, Amazon RDS, Google BigQuery. 
• Data analysis tools: Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Python (Pandas, NumPy). 
• Data security tools: Encryption software, access control mechanisms, backup solutions. 

• Clean and validate data to ensure accuracy before analysis.  
• Stay informed about data privacy regulations like GDPR.  
• Regularly back up databases to prevent data loss. 
• Implement strong access controls and encryption for sensitive data.