Language files and'data bases - two I/O systems or one?

Existing computer systems frequently provide two I/O systems: a (language) file system and a data base management system. Generally, 'little interaction between the systems is available to applications, in the sense that data accessed through one cannot be accessed through the other. We explore three methods of combining the systems: adding file access to an existing data base, adding data base access to an existing file, and completely integrating file management and data base management into a single data management system. Motivations for all three methods are supplied. Implications for existing or newly designed software components are explored.