Large databases Large databases are stored on servers. Servers are powerful, dedicated computers that are capable of storing huge amounts of data. In order for users to be able to log-on, most large databases have a network of computers that span a large area or in the case of the Internet, worldwide. Large databases are able to handle a continuous flow of information being added into it while simultaneously also handling millions of request for information from around the globe. As such, large databases usually have a specialized team of engineers who oversee the proper functioning of the database.
Large databases are very expensive to setup and sustain.
They are usually maintained by governments, universities, commercial organizations and corporate bodies. These organizations use large databases to store all kinds of information, from medical, criminal, and legal records to production management data, airline reservations and encyclopaedias. They make this vast amount of information available to the public or certain selected groups of users. Most provide free access to their databases although they are some who charge for it. The Internet has seen an explosion in the use of large databases.