Although there are many advantages but the DBMS may also have some minor disadvantages. These are:
i. Cost of hardware & software: A processor with high speed of data processing and memory of large size is required to run the DBMS software. It means that you have to upgrade the hardware used for file-based system. Similarly, DBMS software is also Very costly.
ii. Cost of data conversion: When a computer file-based system is replaced with a database system, the data stored into data file must be converted to database files. It is difficult and time consuming method to convert data of data files into database. You have to hire DBA (or database designer) and system designer along with application programmers; Alternatively, you have to take the services of some software houses. So a lot of money has to be paid for developing database and related software.
iii. Cost of staff training: Most DBMSs are often complex systems so the training for users to use the DBMS is required. Training is required at all levels, including programming, application development, and database administration. The organization has to pay a lot of amount on the training of staff to run the DBMS.
iv. Appointing technical staff: The trained technical persons such as database administrator and application programmers etc are required to handle the DBMS. You have to pay handsome salaries to these persons. Therefore, the system cost increases.
v. Database failures: In most of the organizations, all data is integrated into a single database. If database is corrupted due to power failure or it is corrupted on the storage media, then our valuable data may be lost or whole system stops.
