In this sense, "scientific data" management and analysis options are located on a continuum between full database implementations and individual spreadsheet-based processing (Figure ). On the one hand, the use of individual files for data storage and processing is characterized by a high degree of flexibility and perceived ease of use, at least from a short-term perspective. Conversely, relying on databases for data storage and processing is characterized by a high degree of structure and reliability of long-term data access.