A relational model describes data using a standard tabular format. All data elements are placed in two-dimensional tables called relations, which are the equivalent of files. Data inquiries and manipulations can be made via columns or rows are given specific criteria.
The advantages of such database models are the following;
This model allows multiple database approach to access one database. This enables sharing of data and information. Thereby eliminating data redundancy to boost the integrity of the information stored. The relational database allows updates to be done on the common database instead of on the multiple files, which is cumbersome. Information contained in these database systems is also easy to retrieve.
The data stored in a relational database is very safe. This data can be protected by making it read-only or by restricting its access by the use of a password. On the other hand, this method of data management has some limitations which include a relatively huge cost of purchasing and operating DBMS with some mainframe DBMS costing up to millions of dollars.
Therefore, there are very expensive and affordable only by the big companies. In most organizations, additional staff with skills to operate DBMS must be hired to operate them. This leads to extra expenses to such organizations, which increases the operational cost. Even though databases offer better security because security measures can be concentrated on one system, they also may make more data accessible to the trespasser if security is breached. Other problems include the inability to process a large number of business transactions as fast and accurate as hierarchical and network models.