This text aims to prepare students for working in the real world of database management systems by giving them current material on technology, combined with a hands-on component that reflects what database professionals really do. The early chapters introduce basic relational database management system concepts, SQL and E/R relationships. Later chapters ask students to design and implement working database applications - one for a university lab setting and one for a real business. The last section covers late-breaking technology such as distributed databases and object-oriented databases. Students should come away with a working knowledge of the current database world as well as real experience in building actual database systems from scratch.