decision support database

A database from which data is extracted and analysed

statistically (but not modified) in order to inform business

or other decisions. This is in contrast to an operationaldatabase which is being continuously updated.

For example, a decision support database might provide data to

determine the average salary of different types of workers,

whereas an operational database containing the same data would

be used to calculate pay check amounts.

Often, decision support data is extracted from operation

databases.

(1995-02-14)