A
Data stream management system (DSMS) is a computer program to manage continuous data streams. It is similar to a
database management system (DBMS), which is, however, designed for static data in conventional databases. A DSMS also offers a flexible query processing so that the information need can be expressed using queries. However, in contrast to a DBMS, a DSMS executes a
continuous query that is not only performed once, but is permanently installed. Therefore, the query is continuously executed until it is explicitly uninstalled. Since most DSMS are data-driven, a continuous query produces new results as long as new data arrive at the system. This basic concept is similar to
Complex event processing so that both technologies are partially coalescing.