What is the relationship between a database and an information system, and how does this relationship have a bearing on database design?
An information system performs three sets of services: It provides for data collection, storage, and retrieval. It facilitates the transformation of data into information. It provides the tools and conditions to manage both data and information. Basically, a database is a fact (data) repository that serves an information system. If the database is designed poorly, one can hardly expect that the data/information transformation will be successful, nor is it reasonable to expect efficient and capable management of data and information. The transformation of data into information is accomplished through application programs. It is impossible to produce good information from poor data; and, no matter how sophisticated the application programs are, it is impossible to use good application programs to overcome the effects of bad database design. In short: GOOD DATABASE DESIGN IS CRUCIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM. Database design must yield a database that: does not fall prey to
