A spreadsheet is two-dimensional table that organizes information by rows and columns. Any cell can be found by looking at, for example, cell A5 or BB22.

A database is basically a collection of spreadsheet-like tables. It stores information that can be retrieved by using a key, such as an ID number or a name.

Databases power the Internet. When you're shopping online, you're using a database. When you're searching for a phone number, it's a database that's storing that information.

If your business needs to present changing or customized information to customers, or keep track of them, you'll need a database.