This is the most effecient way to do business today, a well structered database can and will  pay for itself in the long term.

I do believe this. In this way you can manage time and effort by a click of a button.

Databases are the main reasons we enjoy highly dynamic and exciting online applications. A database is basically a critical factor in the quick storage, process as well as display of information. It has become an integral part of any organization, regardless of type and size. In most cases, commercial shrink wrap software products usually lack the key features, or are more likely to fail in meeting your company’s unique requirements. This is why most competitive organizations require custom databases for their unique business processes. Source http://www.philwebservices.com/database-developmen t.html

I agree, this is no wonder why big time companies are investing too much in INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY keeping the data in safe and having a sophisticated, state of art computers that will handle and process the data.