An online database is a database

Database

A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...

 accessible from a network, including from the Internet

Internet

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...

.

It differs from a local database, held in an individual computer or its attached storage, such as a CD.

• For the system or software designed to manage a database, see Database management system
  Database management system
  A database management system is a software package with computer programs that control the creation, maintenance, and use of a database. It allows organizations to conveniently develop databases for various applications by database administrators and other specialists. A database is an integrated...
  
  s (DBMS)
• For information on the structure of a database itself, see Database
  Database
  A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...
  
  
• For information on the programs for searching a database, see Search engine
  Search engine
  A search engine is an information retrieval system designed to help find information stored on a computer system. The search results are usually presented in a list and are commonly called hits. Search engines help to minimize the time required to find information and the amount of information...
  
  s

Currently, there are several database products designed specifically as hosted databases delivered as Software as a Service products. These differ from typical traditional databases such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, etc. Some of the differences are:

• These online databases are delivered primarily via a web browser
• They are often purchased by a monthly subscription
• They embed common collaboration features such as sharing, email notifications, etc.

• For information on the contents of specific types of database, see
  • Bibliographic database
    Bibliographic database
    A bibliographic database is a database of bibliographic records, an organized digital collection of references to published literature, including journal and newspaper articles, conference proceedings, reports, government and legal publications, patents, books, etc...
    
    s

See also

• List of online databases
• List of search engines
• List of academic databases and search engines