Types of Data Processing

There are different types of data processing techniques, depending on what the data is needed
for. In this article, we are going to discuss the five main types of data processing.

1. Commercial Data Processing

Commercial data processing means a method of applying standard relational databases, and it
includes the usage of batch processing. It involves providing huge data as input into the system
and creating a large volume of output but using fewer computational operations. It basically
combines commerce and computers for making it useful for a business. The data that is
processed through this system is usually standardized and therefore has a much lower chance of
errors.

Many manual works are automated through the use of computers to make it easy and error-proof.
Computers are used in business to take raw data and process it into a form of information that is
useful to the business. Accounting programs are prototypical examples of data processing
applications. An Information System (IS) is the field that studies such as organizational computer
systems.

2. Scientific Data Processing 

, Unlike commercial data processing, Scientific data processing involves a large use of
computational operations but lower volumes of inputs as well as outputs. The computational
operations include arithmetical and comparison operations. In this type of processing, any
chances of errors are not acceptable as it would lead to wrongful decision-making. Hence the
process of validating, sorting, and standardizing the data is done very carefully, and a wide
variety of scientific methods are used to ensure no wrong relationships and conclusions are
reached.

This takes a longer time than in commercial data processing. The common examples of scientific
data processing include processing, managing, and distributing science data products and
facilitating scientific analysis of algorithms, calibration data, and data products as well as
maintaining all software, calibration data, under strict configuration control. 
3. Batch Processing

Batch Processing means a type of Data Processing in which a number of cases are processed
simultaneously. The data is collected and processed in batches, and it is mostly used when the
data is homogenous and in large quantities. Batch Processing can be defined as the concurrent,
simultaneous, or sequential execution of an activity. Simultaneous Batch processing occurs when
they are executed by the same resource for all the cases at the same time. Sequential Batch
processing occurs when they are executed by the same resource for different cases either
immediately or immediately after one another.

Concurrent Batch processing means when they are executed by the same resources but partially
overlapping in time. It is used mostly in financial applications or at places where additional
levels of security are required. In this processing, the computational time is relatively less
because applying a function to the whole data altogether extracts the output. It is able to
complete work with a very less amount of human intervention.

4. Online Processing 

In the parlance of today’s database systems, “online” signifies “interactive”, within the bounds of
patience.” Online processing is the opposite of “batch” processing. Online processing can be
built out of a number of relatively more simple operators, much as traditional query processing
engines are built. Online Processing Analytical operations typically involve major fractions of
large databases. It should therefore be surprising that today’s Online analytical systems provide
interactive performance. The secret to their success is precomputation.

In most Online Analytical Processing systems, the answer to each point and click is computed
long before the user even starts the application. In fact, many Online processing systems do that
computation relatively inefficiently, but since the processing is done in advance, the end-user
does not see the performance problem. This type of processing is used when data is to be
processed continuously, and it is fed into the system automatically.

5. Real-Time Processing 
The current data management system typically limits the capacity of processing data on an and
when basis because this system is always based on periodic updates of batches due to which
there is a  time lag of many hours in happening of an event and recording or updating it. This
caused a need for a system that would be able to record, update and process the data on as and
when basis, i.e. in real-time which would help in reducing the time lag between occurrence and
processing to almost nil. Huge chunks of data are being poured into systems off organizations,
hence storing and processing it in a real-time environment would change the scenario.

Most organizations want to have real-time insights into the data so as to understand the
environment within or outside their organization fully. This is where the need for a system arises
that would be able to handle real-time data processing and analytics.  This type of processing
provides results as and when it happens. The most common method is to take the data directly
from its source, which may also be referred to as a stream, and draw conclusions without actually
transferring or downloading it. Another major technique in real-time processing is Data
virtualization techniques where meaningful information is pulled for the needs of data processing
while the data remains in its source form.

6. Distributed data processing

Distributed data processing (DDP) is a technique for breaking down large datasets and storing
them across multiple computers or servers. In this type of processing the task is shared by
several resources/machines and is executed in parallel rather than being run synchronously and
arranged in a queue. Because the data is processed in a shorter period, it is more cost-effective
for businesses and allows them to move more quickly. Also, the fault tolerance of a distributed
data processing system is extremely high. 

7. Multi-Processing

Multiprocessing is a type of data processing in which two or more processors work on the same
dataset at the same time. In this multiple processors are housed within the same system. Data is
broken down into frames, and each frame is processed by two or more CPUs in a single
computer system, all working parallel. 

8. Time-Sharing Processing

The central processing unit (CPU) of a large-scale digital computer interacts with multiple users
with different programs almost simultaneously in this type of processing. It is possible to solve
several discrete problems during the input/output process because the CPU is significantly faster
than most peripheral equipment (e.g., printers and video display terminals ). The CPU addresses
each user’s problem sequentially, but remote terminals have the impression that access to and
retrieval from the time-sharing system is instantaneous because the solutions are immediately
available as soon as the problem is fully entered.