End users and database management

In today’s complex IT environment, it is hardly a surprise that many applications are database driven. Hence the question of database management and its potential implications are certainly of a great deal of interest. In its most basic form, a database is an aggregation of information pertaining to consumer / end users as well as relevant information to initiate actions. Hence a database is the most fundamental and important tool to manage end users.

As a result of information gathering both volunteered information as well as mined data, the end user / consumers are at the heart of databases. Hence there maybe some questions as to the participation of end user in management and design. Essentially the end user input should be taken as a feedback tool; using user input to help improve usability as well as satisfy the personal concern in legal and privacy issues.

However, it should be clear that end user input is simply an additional tool to increase effectiveness and efficiency rather than a mandatory concept. The end users feedback, no matter how valuable cannot be always the absolute guide because of many factors including self interest, lack of complete information as well as the ever changing business environment in terms of legal and competitive factors.

Ultimately, it is a simple judgment call to determine the value of implementing end user input. It will depend on many factors including particular industry, size of the entity, legal and competitive aspects as well as the potential consequences. Nevertheless, any input including those from end users may contain extremely valuable information and suggestions that help improve the final effectiveness and efficiency.

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