Difference between revisions of "Database"

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A '''database''' is an organized collection of [[Data|data]], generally stored and accessed electronically from a [[Computer system|computer system]]. Where databases are more complex, they are often developed using formal design and modeling techniques.
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= Database =
  
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The primary purpose of a database is to provide an efficient and structured way to store, [[Information retrieval|retrieve]], update, and manage large amounts of [[Information|information]]. Instead of storing data in separate files or simple lists, a database organizes data in a way that allows applications and users to query, sort, filter, and analyze it effectively. Interaction with a database is typically done through a [[Database management system|database management system]] (DBMS).
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A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. It is designed to efficiently store, retrieve, manage, and update data. Databases are crucial for modern applications, allowing them to handle vast amounts of information in a systematic and accessible way.
  
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== Overview and Purpose ==
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== Purpose of a Database ==
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Databases are essential components of almost all modern [[Software application|software applications]], from small mobile apps to large-scale enterprise systems and websites. They provide a reliable backend for applications to store user data, product catalogs, transaction records, or any other information the application needs to function.
+
The primary purpose of a database is to:
  
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Using a database offers several advantages over simpler data storage methods like flat files:
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Organize Data: Structure information in a logical manner, making it easy to find and use.
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* '''Data Organization:''' Data is structured in a logical manner, making it easier to understand and manage relationships between different pieces of information.
 
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* '''Efficient Access:''' Databases are optimized for fast storage and retrieval of data, even when dealing with massive datasets.
 
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* '''Data Integrity:''' DBMSs include features to ensure data consistency, accuracy, and reliability.
 
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* '''Concurrency:''' Multiple users or applications can access and modify the data simultaneously without causing conflicts.
 
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* '''Security:''' Databases offer mechanisms for controlling access to data, implementing user permissions, and encrypting sensitive information.
 
  
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== Database Management System (DBMS) ==
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Store Data Efficiently: Provide a persistent and optimized way to save large volumes of data.
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While the term "database" sometimes informally refers to both the data and the software, more precisely, the '''Database Management System (DBMS)''' is the software that interacts with the database itself. The DBMS provides the tools and interfaces for users and applications to:
 
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* Define the [[Schema (database)|database structure]] (schema).
 
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* Create, update, read, and delete data (often referred to as CRUD operations).
 
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* Ensure data security and integrity.
 
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* Manage concurrent access from multiple clients.
 
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* Perform backups and recovery.
 
  
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Popular DBMS examples include [[MySQL]], [[PostgreSQL]], [[Oracle Database]], [[Microsoft SQL Server]], and [[MongoDB]].
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Retrieve Data: Allow users and applications to quickly query and extract specific information.
  
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== Key Concepts ==
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Manage Data: Facilitate operations like adding, updating, and deleting records.
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Understanding databases, particularly relational databases, involves several key concepts:
 
  
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; Data
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Ensure Data Integrity: Maintain the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data over time, often through constraints and validation rules.
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: The raw facts, values, or observations stored in the database.
 
  
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; Information
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Enable Data Sharing: Allow multiple users or applications to access and manipulate data concurrently, while managing conflicts.
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: Data that has been processed, organized, or structured in a way that makes it meaningful and useful.
 
  
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; Schema
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== Types of Databases ==
−
: The logical structure or blueprint of the entire database. It defines how the data is organized, including table names, field names, data types, relationships between tables, and constraints.
+
Databases can be broadly categorized based on their underlying data model:
 +
 
 +
Relational Databases (SQL Databases):
 +
 
 +
Organize data into tables (relations) with rows and columns.
 +
 
 +
Data is linked using primary and foreign keys.
 +
 
 +
Managed by a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS).
 +
 
 +
Examples: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle Database, SQL Server.
 +
 
 +
Best for: Structured data, complex queries, transactions requiring strong consistency (ACID properties).
 +
 
 +
NoSQL Databases (Non-Relational Databases):
 +
 
 +
Provide alternative ways to organize data, often more flexible than traditional relational models.
 +
 
 +
Designed for scalability, flexibility, and handling large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data.
 +
 
 +
Examples: MongoDB (Document), Cassandra (Column-Family), Redis (Key-Value), Neo4j (Graph).
 +
 
 +
Best for: Big data, real-time web applications, flexible schema needs, high scalability.
 +
 
 +
== Database Management Systems (DBMS) ==
 +
A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that interacts with the user, other applications, and the database itself to capture and analyze data. A DBMS provides the interface and tools to manage the database, including:
 +
 
 +
Data Definition Language (DDL): For creating, modifying, and deleting database structures (e.g., CREATE TABLE).
 +
 
 +
Data Manipulation Language (DML): For adding, retrieving, updating, and deleting data (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
 +
 
 +
Data Control Language (DCL): For managing user permissions and access control (e.g., GRANT, REVOKE).
  
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; Table
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Transaction Management: Ensuring data consistency and integrity during concurrent operations.
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: In relational databases, data is organized into tables (also called relations). A table is a collection of related data organized in rows and columns.
 
  
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; Record (Row or Tuple)
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Security Features: Authentication, authorization, and encryption.
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: A single entry in a table. A record represents a single entity or instance (e.g., one specific customer, one specific product).
 
  
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; Field (Column or Attribute)
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== Database Security and Data Protection Laws (EU and Finland) ==
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: A single piece of data within a record. A field represents an attribute of the entity (e.g., 'Customer Name', 'Product Price').
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Databases often contain sensitive personal data, making their security and compliance with data protection laws paramount.
  
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; Query
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General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - EU Law:
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: A request made to the database to retrieve, insert, update, or delete data. Queries are typically written using a standardized language like [[SQL]] (Structured Query Language).
 
  
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== Types of Databases ==
+
The GDPR applies to any database that processes the personal data of individuals in the EU/EEA.
−
Databases are broadly categorized based on their underlying model or structure:
+
 
 +
It imposes strict requirements on how personal data is collected, stored, processed, and secured within databases.
 +
 
 +
Key principles like data minimisation (only collect necessary data), purpose limitation (use data only for specified purposes), and integrity and confidentiality (secure processing) directly apply to database design and operation.
 +
 
 +
Organizations managing such databases must implement "appropriate technical and organizational measures" to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk. This includes encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and robust backup and recovery mechanisms.
 +
 
 +
Individuals have rights concerning their data in databases, including the right to access, rectify, or erase their data.
 +
 
 +
Finnish Data Protection Laws:
 +
 
 +
In Finland, the Data Protection Act (Tietosuojalaki 1050/2018) supplements the GDPR. It provides national specifics for how GDPR principles are applied within Finland, especially concerning certain types of data processing or public sector activities.
 +
 
 +
Finnish law reinforces the GDPR's requirements for secure data processing, emphasizing the responsibilities of organizations to protect personal data stored in databases against unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure.
 +
 
 +
Companies operating databases in Finland must comply with both the direct provisions of the GDPR and the specific requirements outlined in the Finnish Data Protection Act.
 +
 
 +
== [[Pulsed Media]] and Database Handling ==
 +
As a hosting service, [[Pulsed Media]] provides the infrastructure and environment for its clients to host and manage their databases. [[Pulsed Media]]'s role and responsibilities regarding databases typically fall under the GDPR definition of a "data processor" when handling client data.
  
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; '''Relational Databases'''
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[[Pulsed Media]] ensures that its data centers and server infrastructure, which house these databases, comply with strict security and data protection standards:
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: This is the most traditional and widely used type. Data is organized into one or more tables with columns and rows. Relationships between tables are defined using keys. They enforce strict schema consistency. Relational databases are well-suited for structured data and complex queries.
 
  
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; '''NoSQL Databases'''
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Secure Infrastructure: Databases hosted on [[Pulsed Media]]'s servers benefit from the physical and network security measures implemented in their data centers, including robust firewalls, access controls, and environmental safeguards.
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: Standing for "Not only SQL", this category encompasses a variety of databases that do not adhere to the rigid table-based structure of relational databases. They are designed for flexibility, scalability, and handling large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data. Types include document databases, key-value stores, graph databases, and column-family databases. NoSQL databases are often used in modern web applications and big data scenarios.
 
  
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== Data Handling and Databases at Pulsed Media ==
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High-Performance Storage: Pulsed Media utilizes both enterprise-grade HDDs for large-scale storage and high-speed [[SSD]]s (including NVMe) for performance-critical database operations, ensuring quick data retrieval and processing.
  
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Any commercial [[Internet hosting service|internet hosting service]] provider, including [[Pulsed Media]], uses internal [[Database|databases]] for essential business operations. These databases are necessary to manage [[User account|user accounts]], track service subscriptions, handle billing, and maintain records of the infrastructure allocated to each customer (e.g., which server IP corresponds to which service).
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Managed Environments (where applicable): For some services (e.g., managed VPS or dedicated servers), Pulsed Media might offer pre-installed database systems (like MySQL, PostgreSQL) and ensure the underlying server is maintained and patched.
  
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These internal administrative databases **do** contain necessary [[Personal data]] about the user, such as:
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Compliance with GDPR: Pulsed Media adheres to its obligations as a data processor by:
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* Account login information (e.g., username, email address)
 
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* Billing information (e.g., name, address, payment method details, transaction history)
 
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* Service specifics (e.g., the type of [[Seedbox]] or [[Server (computing)|server]] ordered, allocated resources, service status, expiry date)
 
  
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However, responsible data handling practices and [[Data privacy|privacy laws]], such as the [[General Data Protection Regulation|General Data Protection Regulation]] (GDPR) in the [[European Union]], govern how providers must manage this [[Personal data]]. Under these regulations, providers are typically required to:
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Implementing appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security of the processing.
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* Collect and store only the minimum amount of [[Personal data]] necessary for providing the service and fulfilling legal/billing obligations.
 
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* Implement strong [[Computer security|security]] measures to protect the data stored in their databases.
 
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* Be transparent about what data they collect and why.
 
  
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'''Crucially, regarding the *content* of the data users store on their services:'''
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Assisting clients (who are the data controllers) in fulfilling their obligations regarding data subject rights (e.g., access or erasure requests) and data breaches.
  
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* Pulsed Media's internal administrative databases **do not store the content of user data files** (such as movies, music, documents, etc.) that users place on their [[Seedbox|seedboxes]] or [[Virtual Private Server|servers]]. That content resides solely on the storage resources allocated to the user's specific service.
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Operating within the framework of Finnish and EU data protection laws for the data it processes on behalf of clients.
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* Pulsed Media personnel generally **do not access, monitor, or know the specific content** of the data stored on the user's private [[Seedbox]] or [[Server (computing)|server]] unless explicitly required for technical support (often with user permission) or compelled by a lawful request from authorities.
 
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* The [[User (computing)|user]] of the [[Seedbox]] or [[Server (computing)|server]] remains the controller and processor of the data they store within their allocated resources and is solely responsible for its [[Legality|legality]] and management, in accordance with applicable laws, including data privacy regulations like GDPR regarding any personal data they process within their service.
 
  
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Therefore, while Pulsed Media maintains databases containing necessary personal information for account and service management, these databases are separate from and do not contain the actual content of the files users store on their individual seedboxes or servers.
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Client Responsibility: While Pulsed Media provides the secure environment, the client remains the "data controller" for the content and personal data stored within their databases. This means the client is responsible for:
  
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== See also ==
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The legality and legitimacy of the data stored in their database.
−
* [[Database management system]]
 
−
* [[SQL]]
 
−
* [[Relational database]]
 
−
* [[NoSQL]]
 
−
* [[Data]]
 
−
* [[Information retrieval]]
 
−
* [[General Data Protection Regulation|GDPR]]
 
−
* [[Data privacy]]
 
−
* [[Personal data]]
 
−
* [[Pulsed Media]]
 
  
 +
Configuring database-level security (e.g., strong passwords, user permissions within the database software).
  
 +
Ensuring their database schema and data collection practices comply with GDPR and other relevant laws.
  
−
== External links ==
+
Handling data subject requests related to the content of their database.
−
* [https://www.oracle.com/database/what-is-database/ Oracle: What is a Database?]
 
−
* [https://www.ibm.com/topics/database IBM: Database]
 
−
* [https://gdpr-info.eu/ General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Full Text]
 
−
* [https://pulsedmedia.com/ Pulsed Media Official Website]
 
−
* [https://pulsedmedia.com/privacy-policy.php Pulsed Media Privacy Policy] (Example link, verify actual URL)
 
  
 +
In essence, [[Pulsed Media]] provides a highly secure and reliable platform for clients to run their databases, while the clients are ultimately responsible for the data residing within those databases and their compliance with data protection regulations.
  
 +
== See Also ==
  
−
[[Category:Database]]
+
*[[Data]]
−
[[Category:Data management]]
+
*[[General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)]]
−
[[Category:Computer science]]
+
*[[Computer Storage]]
−
[[Category:Information technology]]
+
*[[Data center]]
−
[[Category:Technical terms]]
+
*[[MySQL]]
−
[[Category:Computer security]]
 
−
[[Category:Data privacy]]
 
−
[[Category:Internet hosting]]
 
−
[[Category:Pulsed Media]]
 
−
[[Category:European Union law]]
 

Latest revision as of 13:13, 10 June 2025

Database

A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. It is designed to efficiently store, retrieve, manage, and update data. Databases are crucial for modern applications, allowing them to handle vast amounts of information in a systematic and accessible way.

Purpose of a Database

The primary purpose of a database is to:

Organize Data: Structure information in a logical manner, making it easy to find and use.

Store Data Efficiently: Provide a persistent and optimized way to save large volumes of data.

Retrieve Data: Allow users and applications to quickly query and extract specific information.

Manage Data: Facilitate operations like adding, updating, and deleting records.

Ensure Data Integrity: Maintain the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data over time, often through constraints and validation rules.

Enable Data Sharing: Allow multiple users or applications to access and manipulate data concurrently, while managing conflicts.

Types of Databases

Databases can be broadly categorized based on their underlying data model:

Relational Databases (SQL Databases):

Organize data into tables (relations) with rows and columns.

Data is linked using primary and foreign keys.

Managed by a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS).

Examples: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle Database, SQL Server.

Best for: Structured data, complex queries, transactions requiring strong consistency (ACID properties).

NoSQL Databases (Non-Relational Databases):

Provide alternative ways to organize data, often more flexible than traditional relational models.

Designed for scalability, flexibility, and handling large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data.

Examples: MongoDB (Document), Cassandra (Column-Family), Redis (Key-Value), Neo4j (Graph).

Best for: Big data, real-time web applications, flexible schema needs, high scalability.

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that interacts with the user, other applications, and the database itself to capture and analyze data. A DBMS provides the interface and tools to manage the database, including:

Data Definition Language (DDL): For creating, modifying, and deleting database structures (e.g., CREATE TABLE).

Data Manipulation Language (DML): For adding, retrieving, updating, and deleting data (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).

Data Control Language (DCL): For managing user permissions and access control (e.g., GRANT, REVOKE).

Transaction Management: Ensuring data consistency and integrity during concurrent operations.

Security Features: Authentication, authorization, and encryption.

Database Security and Data Protection Laws (EU and Finland)

Databases often contain sensitive personal data, making their security and compliance with data protection laws paramount.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - EU Law:

The GDPR applies to any database that processes the personal data of individuals in the EU/EEA.

It imposes strict requirements on how personal data is collected, stored, processed, and secured within databases.

Key principles like data minimisation (only collect necessary data), purpose limitation (use data only for specified purposes), and integrity and confidentiality (secure processing) directly apply to database design and operation.

Organizations managing such databases must implement "appropriate technical and organizational measures" to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk. This includes encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and robust backup and recovery mechanisms.

Individuals have rights concerning their data in databases, including the right to access, rectify, or erase their data.

Finnish Data Protection Laws:

In Finland, the Data Protection Act (Tietosuojalaki 1050/2018) supplements the GDPR. It provides national specifics for how GDPR principles are applied within Finland, especially concerning certain types of data processing or public sector activities.

Finnish law reinforces the GDPR's requirements for secure data processing, emphasizing the responsibilities of organizations to protect personal data stored in databases against unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure.

Companies operating databases in Finland must comply with both the direct provisions of the GDPR and the specific requirements outlined in the Finnish Data Protection Act.

Pulsed Media and Database Handling

As a hosting service, Pulsed Media provides the infrastructure and environment for its clients to host and manage their databases. Pulsed Media's role and responsibilities regarding databases typically fall under the GDPR definition of a "data processor" when handling client data.

Pulsed Media ensures that its data centers and server infrastructure, which house these databases, comply with strict security and data protection standards:

Secure Infrastructure: Databases hosted on Pulsed Media's servers benefit from the physical and network security measures implemented in their data centers, including robust firewalls, access controls, and environmental safeguards.

High-Performance Storage: Pulsed Media utilizes both enterprise-grade HDDs for large-scale storage and high-speed SSDs (including NVMe) for performance-critical database operations, ensuring quick data retrieval and processing.

Managed Environments (where applicable): For some services (e.g., managed VPS or dedicated servers), Pulsed Media might offer pre-installed database systems (like MySQL, PostgreSQL) and ensure the underlying server is maintained and patched.

Compliance with GDPR: Pulsed Media adheres to its obligations as a data processor by:

Implementing appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security of the processing.

Assisting clients (who are the data controllers) in fulfilling their obligations regarding data subject rights (e.g., access or erasure requests) and data breaches.

Operating within the framework of Finnish and EU data protection laws for the data it processes on behalf of clients.

Client Responsibility: While Pulsed Media provides the secure environment, the client remains the "data controller" for the content and personal data stored within their databases. This means the client is responsible for:

The legality and legitimacy of the data stored in their database.

Configuring database-level security (e.g., strong passwords, user permissions within the database software).

Ensuring their database schema and data collection practices comply with GDPR and other relevant laws.

Handling data subject requests related to the content of their database.

In essence, Pulsed Media provides a highly secure and reliable platform for clients to run their databases, while the clients are ultimately responsible for the data residing within those databases and their compliance with data protection regulations.

See Also

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