FAQs

Database conversion refers to the process of moving data from one database type to another. It may be necessary when an older database becomes outdated or obsolete. Database conversion is often a complicated, meticulous and tedious process that can be prone to human error. White Box Technologies’ proprietary process and tools enable an error-free database conversion project.

Database integration refers to the process of transferring data from separate systems into an accurate, meaningful and trusted pipeline of information. This differs from database conversion, which is the moving of data from one system to another. Rather than transferring information, the process of database integration allows data from various sources to be accurately and effectively shared between separate systems. For instance, it could enable a sheriff’s department to share information with a court that utilizes a different database. Learn more about White Box Technologies’ data integration process.

Databases organize information data points to be easily accessed, managed and updated. Some of the most common databases include:

• Oracle
• Access
• Advantage
• C-tree
• COBOL
• DB2
• FileMaker
• Firebird
• FoxPro
• Microsoft SQL
• MySQL
• Paradox
• Pervasive
• PIK
• Postgres
• QuickBase
• Sybase
• Teradata
• UniVerse
• Unix Flavors

Data type conversion is the process of changing a value from one data type into another. There are two basic conversion types, and each database system may manage them differently.

• Widening or Automatic Type Conversion — Two data types are automatically converted. Depending on the database, this could occur when two data types are compatible, or when a smaller data type value is assigned to a larger data type.
• Narrowing or Explicit Conversion — Required when automatic data type conversion cannot be performed. It assigns a larger data type to a smaller data type.

Databases efficiently store related, structured data, typically with well-defined formats. They allow for the effective insert, update and retrieval of information. File-based legacy systems, on the other hand, are more unstructured data storage devices. They are used for storing arbitrary or unrelated data. File-based systems are more for general storage, whereas databases can be used to carefully store and recall associated information.

The term “legacy database” refers to an aging system that is not easily modified, or may even be considered obsolete. It can also refer to a database that was inherited by a team from previous project owners. Legacy databases may continue to be used due to the cost of replacing them. These may include systems that utilize flat file, hierarchy and network methods of organizing information. However, most aging legacy systems can be converted to more modern databases to help ensure security, ease of use and data integrity.