This is an introduction to modern database technology and the development of database systems. Rather than focusing on the theoretical aspects, this work emphasises the practicalities of using database systems in the ongoing development of information systems. In order to keep up with advances and changes in the field, the following areas are covered in greater detail in this revised edition: the kernel functions of contemporary DBMS - file organisation, access mechanisms and transaction management; contemporary database applications such as data warehousing, data mining and on line analytical processing; Microsoft Access; and extended relational and object oriented data management standard.