A database is a collection of information that is organized and stored in a computer in a systematic way so that its contents can easily be accessed, managed and updated.

The software used to manage and query a database is known as a database management System(DBMS).

Database management (DBM) is designed to manage a large body of information. Data management involves both defining structures for storing information and providing mechanisms for manipulating the information.

The major purpose of AFIM database management system is to provide users with an abstract view of the data. That is, the system hides certain details of how the data are stored and maintained. Thereby, data can be stored in complex data structures that permit efficient retrieval, yet users see a simplified and easy-to-use view of the data.

Examples of the use of database systems include hotel reservation systems, accounting payroll and student record management system e.t.c

AFIM Database Management System perform the following functions:

• Store data
• Create and maintain data structures
• Allow concurrent access to many users
• Enforce security and privacy
• Allow extraction and manipulation of stored data
• Enable data entry and data loading
• Provide an efficient indexing mechanism for fast extraction of selected data
• Provide consistency among different records
• Protect stored data from loss by backup and recovery process