[LaurentVB]

At least you can backup files. Applications, not so much... I'd add that data should be stored in a standard open format, so that an application failure won't prevent you to 1. keep your data (because backups) and 2. use your data (because open format)

[pyre]

It's better because you can back things up, but people tend to have a bad track record on backing things up unless it's part of their job description.

> an application failure won't prevent you to 1. keep your data (because backups)

My point is that you don't inherently get backups just by having control of the data file. It requires extra action on your part. If you don't backup, an application failure can easily destroy your only copy.