SHREE S.C.

GANDHI BCA COLLEGE – BOTAD

SEM-5 SUB: Database Technology in India
UNIT –1 Database Technology in India
 Introduction to database system in India
 A database system in India, as elsewhere, is a collection of software designed to
manage data efficiently, allowing users to define, store, retrieve, and update
information in a structured way.
 It features a Database Management System (DBMS), which acts as an interface
between users/applications and the data, ensuring integrity, security, and concurrent
access through SQL.
 In India, database systems are crucial for various sectors, including banking,
telecommunications, e-commerce and government, enabling efficient data
management and secure information storage.
 These systems, facilitated by Database Management Systems (DBMS), are essential for
handling large volumes of data, ensuring data integrity, and supporting data-driven
decision- making.
 DBMS software allows users to create, manage, and interact with databases, offering
features like data retrieval, manipulation, and security.

 Data
 Data is a collection of information gathered by observations, measurements, research
or analysis. They may consist of facts, numbers, names, figures or even description of
things. Data is organized in the form of graphs, charts or tables.
 Information
 Information is processed, organized and structured data. It provides context for data
and enables decision making. For eg., the data compiled in an organized way in a
research paper provides information about a particular concept/ topic.
 DATABASE:
 A database is a collection of related data. These can be stored in the form of tables. It
can contain any type of data, including words, numbers, images, videos, and files. You
can use software called a database management system (DBMS) to store, retrieve, and
edit data.

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 Early methods of data storage and record management in
Indian institutions:
 Early methods of data storage and record management in Indian institutions primarily
relied on paper-based systems.
 These included physical files, registers, and ledgers, often stored in designated areas
like record rooms or which were often organized based on specific departments or
categories.
 Libraries played a crucial role in managing both physical and textual records.
Information retrieval was time-consuming, requiring physical search through these
records, and data integrity relied heavily on human accuracy and diligence.
1. Paper-Based Systems:

 Physical Files and Folders:

Records were meticulously organized into physical files, folders, and cabinets. This
was the most common method for storing documents, correspondence, and other
administrative records.
 Registers and Ledgers:
Specific registers were used to record information like attendance, financial
transactions, and library loans. These were crucial for tracking activities and
maintaining historical records.
 Archival Storage:
Specialized areas, like archives, were designated for preserving historical documents,
manuscripts, and other important records, often under controlled conditions.
 Libraries:
Libraries served as repositories of knowledge, managing books, journals, and other
printed materials. They also played a role in managing research data and other
academic records.

2. Key Record Types:

 Administrative Records:
These included documents related to personnel, finance, legal matters, and general
administration.
 Academic Records:
These encompassed student records (admission registers, attendance, marks), teacher
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 records, and curriculum-related documents.
 Financial Records:
Institutions maintained detailed records of income and expenditure, often using
ledgers and registers.
 Historical Documents:
Libraries and archives preserved valuable historical documents, including
manuscripts, inscriptions, and other materials that documented the institution's
history and activities.
3. Limitations of Early Systems:
 Limited Access:
Access to records was often restricted due to physical storage
limitations and the need to maintain security.
 Potential for Damage and Loss:
Paper-based records were susceptible to damage from environmental factors (humidity,
pests), fire, or accidental loss.
 Inefficient Retrieval:
Locating specific information within large collections of paper records could be time-
consuming and cumbersome.
 Difficult to Share:
Sharing records across departments or institutions was challenging, often requiring
physical transfer of documents.

4. Evolution towards Digital Systems:

 Gradual Shift:
Over time, Indian institutions began incorporating digital systems for
record management, alongside traditional paper-based methods.
 Electronic Document Management:
Software and systems for electronic document storage, retrieval, and
management became more prevalent, offering improved access and efficiency.
 Digital Archives:
Efforts were made to digitize historical records and make them accessible
through digital archives and online platforms.

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 Early adoption of database technology in India 1970 -1980
 1970’s
 The relational database model was conceived by E.F. Codd in 1970.
 This model was a departure from tradition by insisting that applications should search
for data by content rather than by following links.
 His system can be defined using two terminologies (Taylor, 2000). Instance, a table with
rows and columns and schema, specifies the structure, including the name of relation,
name, and type of each column.
 Codd’s model was based on branches of mathematics called set theory and predicate
logic.
 His ideas changed the way people thought about databases.
 In his model, the database’s schema, or logical organization, is disconnected from
physical information storage, and this became the standard principle for database
systems. During the period 1974 to 1977, two major relational database system
prototypes were created:

1. INGRES was developed at the University of California-Berkeley and became

commercial and followed up POSTGRES which was incorporated into Informix This
system used QUEL as query language.

2. System R was developed at IBM in San Jose. DB2 became one of the first
DBMS (Database Management System) product based on the relational model.

 A new database model called Entity-Relationship, or ER, was proposed by P. Chen in 1976.
This model made it possible for designers to focus on data application instead of logical
table structure (Taylor, 2000). The term Relational Database Management System
(RDBMS) was coined during this period.

 1980’s
 Commercialization of relational systems begins as a boom in computer purchasing fuels
the DB (database) market for business. SQL (Structured Query Language) became the
intergalactic standard (Taylor, 2007).

 DB2 became IBM’s major product. Network and hierarchical models lost their charm
with no further development of these systems, but some legacy systems are still in use
today.

 Development of IBM’s PC gave rise to many DB companies and products, such as RIM,
RBASE 5000, PARADOX, OS/2 Database Manager, Dbase III, IV (later FoxBASE, and
Visual FoxPRO), and Watcom SQL. All these systems were introduced during the1980’s
and were based on the relational model.
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  During this period, the concept of the object-oriented database was developed.

 The term ‘object-oriented database system’ first appeared around 1985.

 An object database, also object-oriented database management system, is one in

which information is represented in the form of objects as used in object-oriented
programming. Object databases are different from relational databases and belong
together to the broader database management system.

 Object database’s main usage is in object-oriented areas. Some object-oriented

databases are designed to work well with object- oriented programming languages,
such as Delphi, Ruby, Python, Perl, Java, C#, and Visual Basic .NET, C++, Objective-C,
and Smalltalk. Others have their own programming languages.

 OODBMS (Object-Oriented Database Management System) uses exactly the

same model as object-oriented programming languages. OODBMS supports the
modeling and creation of the data as objects.

 OODBMS could efficiently manage a large number of different data types.

 Objects with complex behaviors were easy to handle using inheritance and
polymorphism. This also helped in reducing the large number of relations by creating
objects.

 The biggest problem with OODBMS was switching an existing database to OODBMS,
as the transition requires an entire change from scratch and it is typically tied to a
specific programming language and an API (Application Programming Interface) which
reduces the flexibility of the database.

 To overcome the problems of OODBMS and take full advantage of the relational
model and object-oriented model, the Object Relational Database Model was
developed in the early 1990’s.

 Introduction of Database in Indian Government Departments and

Public Sector Units
 In India, databases play a crucial role in the functioning of government departments and
public sector units (PSUs). With the shift from manual record- keeping to digital systems,
databases have become the backbone of decision- making, citizen services, and
administrative efficiency.
1. Historical Context
 Manual Record Era: Traditionally, government departments used paper files,

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 registers, and ledgers to maintain data such as population records, land
records,

employee details, and financial transactions.

 Challenges: Manual systems were prone to errors, duplication, loss of data,
and delays in processing citizen requests.
2. Emergence of Digital Databases
 Computerization (1980s–1990s): Many PSUs and government offices started
adopting basic database management systems (DBMS) like dBASE, FoxPro,
and Oracle for payroll, accounts, and HR records.
 E-Governance Initiatives: Programs like NICNET, National e- Governance Plan
(NeGP), and Digital India promoted centralized databases for faster service
delivery.

3. Role of Databases Today

Databases are now essential for:
 Citizen Services: Aadhaar database, Passport Seva Kendra, Digital Land
Records (Bhoomi, Dharani, etc.)
 Governance: Election Commission voter database, GSTN for tax records, e-
Courts for case data.
 Public Sector Operations: HRMS (Human Resource Management Systems),
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), inventory and supply chain databases in
PSUs like ONGC, SAIL, BHEL.
 Data-Driven Decision Making: Big data analytics on databases help in policy
making (health data, census data, agricultural production).
4. Advantages of Databases
 Centralization: Single source of truth for citizen and employee records.
 Efficiency: Faster processing, reduced paperwork.
 Transparency: Audit trails, e-governance portals reduce corruption.
 Scalability: Can handle millions of records (e.g., Aadhaar covers 1.3+
billion people).
 Security: Controlled access through authentication and encryption.
5. Examples
 UIDAI Aadhaar Database – World’s largest biometric database.
 GSTN – Manages tax data of businesses across India.
 IRCTC Database – Handles millions of train ticket bookings daily.
 PSU HR Systems – Maintain employee data for recruitment, payroll, pensions.

 Growth of RDBMS and structured data storage (1990)

In the 1990s, relational database management systems (RDBMS) became the dominant
technology for structured data storage due to falling hardware costs and the expanding

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commercial internet. This period solidified Oracle, IBM, and Microsoft as major industry
players and led to the proliferation of database applications for businesses and personal
use. The widespread adoption of SQL and the commercial success of major vendors like
Oracle, IBM, and Microsoft.
 Key factors of RDBMS Growth in 1990
 Commercialization:
Major companies like Oracle, IBM, and Microsoft developed powerful RDBMSs, making
them accessible for large-scale business use.
 SQL Standardization:
Structured Query Language became the universal standard for relational databases,
allowing for interoperability and making data querying more accessible.
 Client-Server Architecture:
This architecture enabled remote access to databases, improving data management and
query processing efficiency.
 Enhanced Transaction Management:
RDBMSs built in ACID properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability), ensuring
data reliability and preventing inconsistencies.
 Impact on Structured Data Storage
 Dominance over Older Models:
RDBMSs, with their user-friendly table-based structures, replaced earlier, more complex
hierarchical and network database models.
 Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence:
The 1990s saw the beginning of data warehousing, where data warehouses were built to
support business intelligence and data- driven decision-making.
 Rise of Client Tools:
New client tools for application development, like Oracle Developer and PowerBuilder,
emerged, making it easier to develop applications that interacted with these relational
databases.
 Increased Computerization:
The rapid growth in computer sales in the 1980s and 1990s fueled the database market,
increasing the need for robust data storage systems.
 Entry of international RDBMS vendors into the Indian market
International RDBMS vendors began entering the Indian market in the 1980s and 1990s,
with a major push during the post-liberalization economic reforms. Early entrants like
IBM and Oracle established strong presences, while Microsoft and open-source options
like MySQL and PostgreSQL later joined to capture a growing market.
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 Major international RDBMS vendors in India
1) Oracle
Entry: Oracle was one of the earliest and most dominant international RDBMS vendors to
enter India. Its presence grew substantially in the 1980s and 1990s alongside the client-
server computing boom.
Market approach: Oracle focused on large enterprise customers in the banking, financial
services, and telecommunications sectors, leveraging its high-performance and reliable
database technology.
Current status: Today, Oracle remains a significant player, serving over 20,000 customers in
India, with a strong focus on cloud services and public sector projects.
2) IBM DB2
Entry: IBM's entry into the Indian market dates back to a joint venture with the Tata
Group in 1992, although its presence predates that. The company actively promoted its
DB2 database in India, particularly for enterprise resource planning (ERP)
implementations.
Market approach: IBM's strategy focused on leveraging its history and enterprise
relationships to position DB2 as a robust database for high-volume workloads and large
corporate customers.
Current status: DB2 continues to be used by large enterprises in India, and IBM's strategy
has evolved to integrate DB2 within its broader cloud and data management services.
3) Sybase
Sybase was a major international relational database management system (RDBMS)
vendor with a significant presence in India, particularly within the banking and financial
services sectors.
Establishment: Sybase entered the Indian market as Sybase
Software (India) Pvt. Ltd., establishing offices in major tech hubs like Mumbai, Pune, and
Bangalore.
Target market: Sybase's core focus was on high-volume, transaction-based applications,
which made its database, Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE), a popular choice for data-
intensive industries such as financial services, telecommunications, and manufacturing. In
India, it was used extensively in banking and stock trading.
Key partnerships: To expand its reach, Sybase partnered with major Indian IT players. For
instance, in 2010, Sybase India and Wipro InfoTech announced a partnership to extend
SAP applications to mobile devices.
 Role of Indian it industry in database development
The Indian IT industry plays a dual and significant role in database development by acting
as a crucial service provider for global enterprises. India’s IT sector provides advanced
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 database management, development, and integration services, while also nurturing a
vibrant startup culture focused on next-generation database technologies.
 Contributions of TCS in database solution and custom software:
 Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has made significant contributions to database
development in India, driven by its decades of experience, deep investments in research
and technology, and the development of major products and services.
 TCS significantly contributes to database development by offering advanced data
management solutions like the Enterprise Cloud Platform Database-as-a-Service (ECP
DBaaS), developing core databases for India's largest digital projects such as the Aadhaar
ID and passport systems.
 Key Contributions to Database Development
 Large-Scale Database Solutions:
TCS has developed, managed, and modernized large, critical national databases, including
the over 1.3 billion-record Aadhaar database and the government's passport issuance
system.
 Managed Database Services:
TCS provides ECP DBaaS, a fully managed solution for database provisioning, monitoring,
administration, and migration, supporting cloud-native application development and
reducing infrastructure costs.
 Data Infrastructure and Modernization:
The company helps enterprises standardize, virtualized, and upgrade IT infrastructure,
including databases, to improve efficiency and support business expansion.
 Data Exchange Platforms:
TCS's Dexam™ solution enables companies to build private data marketplaces, supporting
the commercialization of enterprise data through a secure platform.
 Innovation and IP Creation:
TCS invests in research and development and has created numerous digital products and
intellectual property to help clients adopt new database and data management
technologies.

 Contributions of Infosys in database solution and custom software:

Infosys has been a significant contributor to the Indian IT industry, particularly in database
development, driven by its focus on talent development, technology adoption, and
innovation strategies.
 Key Contribution to Database Development
 Application Support and Database Administration: Infosys provides comprehensive
services in database development,maintenance, and support, ensuring high levels of
service for their clients in the technology domain.
 System Integration: Infosys specializes in bringing together component subsystems and
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 ensuring they function together, which includes database integration to solve automation
problems.
 BPM Platform: Infosys offers Business Process Management (BPM) platforms that provide
a framework and tools for managing tasks and workflows related to systems, including
database management.
 Digital Transformation: Infosys has been focusing on digital transformation, including
services in areas like cloud applications, infrastructure, cyber security and data science,
which heavily rely on database development and management.

 Contributions of HCL in database solution and custom software:

 HCL has been a pioneer in database development in the Indian IT industry, with a
history dating back to the development of an indigenous
Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) in 1983. Today, HCLTech offers a wide
range of services and products related to database development and modernization,
leveraging technologies like cloud and AI.
 Key Contribution to database development
 Early RDBMS development: As part of the HCL Enterprise, HCL developed an indigenous
RDBMS in 1983, a significant achievement at a time when modern computing was just
emerging in India.
 Foundation for data management: This early focus on database technology helped lay
the groundwork for more advanced data management and software services in India.
 Focus on innovation: Through its HCLSoftware division, the company develops and
supports numerous software products. These include database-related tools such as HCL
Actian Ingres (a transactional RDBMS), HCL DataConnect (a low-code integration
platform), and the HCL Zeenea Data Intelligence Platform (for data governance).
 Critical infrastructure projects: HCL was instrumental in digitizing the National Stock
Exchange (NSE) in 1993. The company helped manage millions of daily transactions, build
a resilient trading environment, and ensure data integrity.
 Partnerships: HCL Info systems partnered with MongoDB in 2014 to expand its offerings
in the big data segment by building services around the next-generation NoSQL database.

 Contributions of Wipro in database solution and custom software:

Wipro is a major contributor to the Indian IT industry, particularly in database
development, through its comprehensive suite of services focused on data
management, analytics, and infrastructure modernization. Rather than being a pioneer in
indigenous RDBMS like HCL, Wipro's impact comes from its enterprise-scale
solutions and modernization efforts for global clients.
 Key Contribution to database development
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 Data management and analytics services: Wipro provides a full suite of services that help
clients leverage data for informed decision-making and strategic growth. These offerings
cover data management, visualization, and predictive analytics.
 Digital Database Platform Services (DDPS): Wipro's DDPS 2.0
is a fully managed "Database-as-a-Service" (DBaaS) solution for managing both traditional
and next-generation databases in a hybrid cloud environment.
 AI and Machine Learning: Wipro has integrated advanced
technologies like AI and ML into its database offerings to enhance capabilities such as
intelligent data quality management and AI- powered data operations.
 Cloud capabilities: Wipro heavily leverages cloud platforms,
including partnerships with AWS and Google Cloud, to offer database modernization, data
platform transformation, and multi- cloud solutions.
 Strategic partnerships: Wipro collaborates with major technology vendors, including Dell,
Nutanix, Oracle, and MongoDB, to provide cutting-edge database solutions to its clients.

 Growth of ERP system for Indian business

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the growth of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
systems in India was directly tied to the emerging IT outsourcing boom. The dual
pressures of globalization following India's economic liberalization in the early 1990s. This
created a critical need for robust and scalable database backend to manage exponentially
increasing data volumes from global operations.
 Role of ERP in the outsourcing boom
ERP systems play a critical role in facilitating and optimizing outsourcing operations,
especially in manufacturing and IT services.
 Mitigating Outsourcing Risks: ERP helps manage supply chain
uncertainties, improve vendor relationships, enhance production planning, implement
end-to-end quality control, and enable effective communication across geographically
dispersed teams.
 Facilitating Global Integration: ERP systems allow seamless management of
procurement, production and financial operations across international borders for large
enterprises and those with outsourced manufacturing.
 Attracting International Clients: Indian ERP implementation vendors are gaining
recognition for expertise and cost- effectiveness, leading to increased outsourcing of ERP
development and implementation from European countries and other regions.
 Need for scalable database backends
The effectiveness of ERP systems, particularly in a high-growth environment like India's
outsourcing sector and scalable database backends.

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 Data Volume Management: ERP systems handle vast amounts of data from diverse
business functions; scalable databases are essential to manage this data efficiently
without performance degradation.
 Data Integrity and Consistency: Scalable database backends must ensure the accuracy
and consistency of data, particularly in distributed environments and when integrating
with other systems.
 Cloud Infrastructure: Cloud-based ERP solutions offer elasticity and scalability, reducing
the need for expensive hardware and infrastructure, making them suitable for businesses
with data demands.
 Data Security and Compliance: Scalable databases must implement robust security
measures, especially as data is distributed across multiple servers in horizontally scaled
environments.
 Indian government initiatives and national database projects
 The Indian government has undertaken numerous digital initiatives and national database
projects to enhance governance, improve service delivery, and promote a digitally
empowered society. The Indian government has launched numerous initiatives like the
India Stack and infrastructure projects, supported by national databases and platforms
such as the Open Government Data (OGD) Platform and the National Data Platform,
which promote transparency and data-driven decision-making. Key national databases
and platforms include the universal ID system Aadhaar, the DigiLocker for digital
documents, UPI for digital payments, and specialized platforms like Co-WIN for
vaccination tracking for government procurement.
 Major national database and digital infrastructure projects
1) Aadhaar
 Unique Identity Database: Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number provided by the
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all residents based on their biometric
and demographic data. The information is stored in a centralized, secure database called
the Aadhaar Data Vault.
 Applications: Aadhaar is a foundational identity infrastructure used to authenticate
individuals for accessing government subsidies, benefits, and various services, including
banking, ration delivery, and scholarships.
 Technology: The project uses big data technology, with MongoDB as its underlying
database, to manage and process the massive volume of data from over 1.38 billion
Aadhaar holders.

2) UIDAI
 The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) is a statutory authority established by
the Government of India to issue unique 12- digit identification numbers, called Aadhaar,
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 to all Indian residents. It operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology.

 Key functions of UIDAI

 Enrolment and authentication: The UIDAI is responsible for all stages of the Aadhaar life
cycle, from developing the procedures for enrolment and issuance to managing
authentication. This involves collecting demographic and biometric data from residents,
storing it securely, and then using it for identity verification.
 Database management: The UIDAI maintains the Central Identities Data Repository
(CIDR), the national database that stores the biometric and demographic information of
Aadhaar holders. It has implemented a robust security architecture with encryption and
restricted access to protect this data.
 Policy and regulation: As a statutory body under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, the UIDAI
develops the policies, rules, and procedures that govern the Aadhaar ecosystem. This
includes defining how Aadhaar can be used for authentication and ensuring compliance
with the law.
3) ABC ID / APAAR ID
 ABC ID and APAAR ID refer to the same 12-digit unique identification number for students
in India. It is part of the "One Nation, One Student ID" initiative under the National
Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Here is a breakdown of the key terms and concepts:
 APAAR: This stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry. It is the overall
system that assigns and maintains a student's lifelong digital identity.
 ABC: This stands for Academic Bank of Credits. It is the digital platform, regulated by the
University Grants Commission (UGC) that store and manages the academic credits a
student has earned. The ABC uses the student's APAAR ID to access their academic credit
history.

 Key features and benefits

 Lifelong academic record: The ID serves as a digital academic passport, consolidating a
student's entire educational journey in one place, including degrees, diplomas, and
certifications.
 Credit transfer: The system allows students to accumulate and transfer academic credits
between recognized educational institutions. This promotes flexibility and enables
students to switch programs or universities more easily.
 Digital storage: It links to the DigiLocker service, where students can securely store and
access their academic records, such as mark sheets and certificates. This reduces paperwork
and the risk of losing important documents.

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