Allows for representation of data from the user's view. Data elements from any number of files can be combined to create useful forms, reports, and other applications. Increases data flexibility. Because of the data-independent structure of DBMS, applications can be created without intensive programming. Thus, ad hoc requests for information and applications can be filled with less time and labor from programmers than with file processing systems.
Spreadsheets can result in data redundancy, inflexibility, and update inefficiency.
In addition, the data security functions found in DBMS's are nonexistent in spreadsheets. It is self-describing . . . A data dictionary containing information about the database structure. It is a collection of integrated records . . . A data dictionary, or a collection of rules and definitions.