A method and system for providing a database as a is disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises the steps of accessing the database over a public network by a browser without downloading software. The method further includes controlling access to the database on an agreed-upon schedule. In a second aspect, a database service for use on a public network is disclosed. The database service comprises a presentation layer, the presentation layer including a browser, a web server coupled to the public network and a web application platform coupled to the web server. The database includes an application layer comprising a user interface (UI) application. The UI application is executed on the web application platform and is capable of communicating with the browser through a standard program code. Finally, the database service includes a database management layer. The database management layer includes at least one database which communicates with the UI application. Accordingly, a database can be managed centrally while resources of the database can be consumed individually and globally.