Amazon Case Study

Amazon Case Study

Amazon case study

Amazon uses web service called SimpleDB TM which provides the core database functions of data indexing and querying in the cloud. (Amazon.com)
Amazons database is one of the worlds largest collections of product information containing millions of products. The database also stores data on the browsing histories of its customer's and form of payment. For the products offered on Amazon the database contains the product price and description information, customer ratings and reviews, and information about other sellers offering the same product. Even if consumers do not intend to make a purchase from Amazons site, they can use the database to conduct product research, price comparisons, and compare similar products to make the decision on which product to purchase.
Possible data management issues are; data stored in no longer valid, data redundancy and data entry error. Data that is stored in the database that is no longer valid could create errors in actual good that are available for sale. If partner vendors do not update or remove outdated data it can cause consumers being shorted on orders they are expecting. Data redundancy can also cause inventory availability issues if not properly coded as duplicate files. Data Entry mistakes by employees can also create issues. For example, entering an item in the wrong category could lead to a loss of sales because the product is not being found where it should be.

Amazon's data is the result of the sites transactions, such as; product inventory, customer search history and personal information, and total sales. The data becomes the information when it is entered into a format such as the item page where the information is displayed for the consumer to use to make an informed decision to make the purchase or not to buy. Knowledge is what is gained after gathering all of the information by upper management. For example, managers at Amazon must track its sales weekly, monthly, and yearly for many of...