A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)  can also be called a traditional database that uses a Structured Query Language (SQL) to provide access to stored data while insuring the integrity of the data. The data is stored in a collection of tables that is defined by relationships between data items. In addition, data permitted to be joined in new relationships. Traditional databases primarily process data through transactions called transaction processing.

Transaction processing is the methodology of grouping related business operations based predefined business events. An example of this can be seen when a person attempts to purchase an item from an online e-tailor. The business must execute specific operations for a related  business event. In this case, a business must store the following information: Customer Info, Order Info, Order Item Info, Customer Payment Data, Payment Results, and Current Order Status.

Example: Pseudo SQL Operations needed for processing an online e-tailor sale.

• Insert Customer into Customers
• Insert New Order into Orders
• Insert Each New Order Item into OrderItems
• Insert Customer Payment Info into PaymentInfo
• Insert Payment Processing Result into PaymentDetails
• Update Customer for Current Order Status

Common Relational Database Management System

• Microsoft SQL Server
• Microsoft Access
• Oracle
• MySQL
• DB2

It is important to note that no current RDBMS has fully implemented all of the Relational Principles.

Common RDBMS Traits

• Volatile Data
• Supports Transaction Processing
• Optimized for Updates and Simple Queries