(C-DAC Tata McGraw-Hill Series)
By Alexis Leon & Mathews Leon, Tata McGraw-Hill, 1999

“The workers and professionals of the world will soon be divided into two distinct groups: those who will control computers and those who will be controlled by computers. It would be best for you to be in the former group.”
– Lewis D. Eigen –

We live in the Information Age—an era where information is power. Everywhere we turn, we encounter terms like information explosion, information superhighway, cyberspace, multimedia, virtual reality, client–server computing, and online transaction processing. Technology is advancing so rapidly that products and systems become obsolete almost as soon as they appear. In the IT industry, the old proverb “Old is Gold” simply does not apply.

When Charles Babbage conceived the Analytical Engine in 1822, no one could have predicted the profound impact computers would have on human life—or the astonishing pace at which the industry would grow. Early computers were massive, expensive, unfriendly machines used only in scientific and research environments. Operating them required specialized knowledge, placing them far beyond the reach of the average person.

The introduction of commercially produced computers began to change this landscape. Large organizations, airlines, and railways adopted them, though they remained costly and complex. Then came the breakthrough that transformed everything: the personal computer. Even the earliest PCs, though primitive by today’s standards, revolutionized the industry by making computing accessible to the common man. Since then, computers have become smaller, faster, more powerful, more user‑friendly, and more affordable—and the trend continues.

From humble beginnings, the IT industry has grown at an extraordinary pace. If the automobile industry had grown at the same rate, a Mercedes Benz today would cost about Rs. 40 and run a million miles on a liter of petrol. This explosive growth has created intense competition, pushing companies to innovate constantly. At the same time, it has improved the quality of life and raised global living standards.

Rapid growth has also created a significant talent gap. The demand for qualified IT professionals far exceeds the supply, and the gap widens each year. This is evident from the constant stream of “Wanted: Software/IT Professionals” advertisements across media. Multinational companies are entering the Indian market, new firms are emerging, and job opportunities are expanding rapidly. Salaries, work environments, and career prospects have never been better. In India alone, the annual requirement for software professionals is estimated to exceed 100,000—spanning software export houses, government R&D labs, corporate EDP departments, and countless small and medium enterprises. The future for IT professionals is exceptionally bright.

Traditionally, this demand has been met by graduates from IITs and engineering colleges. However, these institutions alone cannot supply the required numbers. The industry needs professionals from diverse backgrounds—management, mechanical engineering, mathematics, and more. Organizations like C‑DAC play a crucial role in bridging this gap. Their training programs, especially the renowned DAC course, help thousands of students realize their dream of entering the IT profession by equipping them with the skills needed to become complete, industry‑ready professionals.

This book, Business Computing – I, supports that mission. It covers essential topics such as database concepts, Oracle 8, Developer/2000, and PowerBuilder. For convenience, the material is presented in two volumes:

• Volume 1: Database concepts, SQL, Oracle 8, SQL*Plus, PL/SQL, Developer/2000, etc.
• Volume 2: PowerBuilder 6

The books assume no prior knowledge. Every topic is explained clearly, starting from the basics and progressing to advanced concepts. Numerous examples, illustrations, and screenshots make learning easier and more effective.