W4: Databases and iCloud

This week’s readings really opened my eyes to the role databases (and data) play in my day-to-day life. I didn’t know much about data management, but now that I do, I have a greater appreciation for DBMSs and back-end developers.

The idea that nearly every aspect of my technological life is recorded, classified, and then organized in a meaningful way is mind-blowing. Big data can be intimidating; creating an efficient, flexible, and secure database to handle big data is a daunting task, especially when the data is inconsistent (it always is!). How would our lives be different if databases didn’t exist?

S0001_iCloudBasics

Apple’s iCloud database ( https://help.apple.com/icloud/#/mmfc0efea4 ) is one of the most important databases in my life. Its contents include personal information (photos & videos, contacts, geotags, etc.), account information (passwords, credit cards, etc.), and backups for electronic devices and apps (iPhone, iPod, etc.). What makes iCloud so powerful – and dangerous – is that all of this information can be accessed with one user account. Also, because this database is stored remotely (in the cloud), I can access the information anywhere and on any device.

iCloud backup is one of the most compelling features of Apple’s cloud-based database system. It keeps all of your data up-to-date and secures the most recent version in their remote servers. For example, iCal data can be synced across many iCloud enabled devices. I love this feature because I can set an event with reminders on my computer and when the event rolls around I will receive notifications on my phone as well. This approach to database design is very convenient, but it definitely has it’s problems. For example, when I change the login info to one of my email accounts, the database has trouble updating the various instances of this data across all my devices. This may be the cause for the server and login error messages I receive every once and awhile.