Databases at Comcast

DATABASES AT COMCAST

Databases at Comcast

Introduction

Using a database for business at Comcast is a great way to keep departments organized and to secure data. A database can be used to capture data from a web site or from within the organization itself. Once you have built your database you can retrieve data from anywhere you want whether you be inside a company facility or at home via a network connection. The purpose of this paper is to identify a database application that Comcast uses each day, how it is used, and make suggestions regarding possible changes or improvements.

Databases at Comcast

The database most often used at Comcast is Microsoft's Access database program. There are different categories of database programs such as desktop and server based applications. Because Comcast uses Microsoft Access, we will be discussing a desktop database. Offer an inexpensive, simple solution to many less complex data storage and manipulation requirements. They earn their name by virtue of the fact that they are designed to run on "desktop" (or personal) computers. You are probably familiar with a few of these products already Ð'- Microsoft Access, FoxPro, FileMaker Pro, Paradox and Lotus Approach are the major players.

Advantages

Why would you want to put information into a database instead of, say, a spreadsheet or a document? Databases are far better at finding information. You can ask a database a question such as "how many people have agreed to come to my event" or "which customer purchased which product" and get an immediate answer.

Databases organize your information in lists (like spreadsheets) but, unlike spreadsheets, you can view your information as forms. A form can be printed or designed to be an online version. Forms provide a great way to get at the details. View all your projects in a list and with a click see the details on a particular project in a form view. Forms also help with data entry.

Here are a few of the benefits that Comcast has gained by using databases.

Ð'* Desktop databases are inexpensive. You will find that most desktop solutions are available for around $100 (compared to thousands of dollars for their sever-based cousins). In fact, if you own a copy of Microsoft Office Professional, you are already a licensed owner of Microsoft Access.

Ð'* Desktop databases are user-friendly. A thorough understanding of SQL is not required when using these systems (although many do support SQL for die-hards out there). Desktop DBMSs usually offer an easy-to-navigate graphical user interface.

Ð'* Desktop databases offer web solutions. Many modern desktop databases provide web functionality enabling you to publish your data on the web in a static or dynamic fashion.

References

Grantham L., Industrial Management & Data Systems, Volume 95, Number 8, 1995, pp. 10-13(4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited

PCMAG.COM,Encyclopidiahttp://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=group+collaboration+software&i=39968,00.asp, January 28, 2008

Doe, J. R. (1987). Title of an article. Title of a Scholarly Journal, 35, 112-128.

Lastname, F. (1998). Title of a sample book. City: Publisher.

Maner, M. (1999, 14 April). Women and eighteenth-century literature. Retrieved August 9, 1999 from the World Wide Web: http://www.wright.edu/~martin.maner/18cwom99.html

OFFICE AUTOMATION AND GROUP COLLABORATION SOFTWARE

Office Automation and Group Collaboration Software

Michael W Barker

University of Phoenix

Introduction

All departments within Comcast use office automation and group collaboration software to analyze and track every aspect of the business on a daily basis. The two primary applications utilized are Word and Excel within Microsoft Office. All e-mail functions at Comcast go through the Outlook application of MS Office. Each application has its pros and cons however, the savings of time and money for the organization in the end far outweigh the negatives.

Office and Group Software

Office automation

Comcast uses several components of Microsoft Office such as Excel, Word and Outlook for office automation. Every department uses each of these components on a daily basis. Excel is a powerful spreadsheet tool that helps each department with timelines, matrixes, budgets, evaluations, and many other functions. One can built formulas in specific cells to produce specific answers to problems such as average, totals and trend analysis. For example, budget information placed in a table in one section and sales data in another can total in a different table or another sheet if desired. In addition to the benefits to the masses