database vs. flat files

Question

The company I work for is trying to switch a product that uses flat file format to a database format. We're handling pretty big files of data (ie: 25GB/file) and they get updated really quick. We need to run queries that randomly access the data, as well as in a contiguous way. I am trying to convince them of the advantages of using a database, but some of my colleagues seem reluctant to this. So I was wondering if you guys can help me out here with some reasons or links to posts of why we should use databases, or at least clarify why flat files are better (if they are).

Answer 1

1. Databases can handle querying tasks, so you don't have to walk over files manually. Databases can handle very complicated queries.
2. Databases can handle indexing tasks, so if tasks like get record with id = x can be VERY fast
3. Databases can handle multiprocess/multithreaded access.
4. Databases can handle access from network
5. Databases can watch for data integrity
6. Databases can update data easily (see 1) )
7. Databases are reliable
8. Databases can handle transactions and concurrent access
9. Databases + ORMs let you manipulate data in very programmer friendly way.