Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

decision support database
     
        A {database} from which data is extracted and analysed
        statistically (but not modified) in order to inform business
        or other decisions.  This is in contrast to an {operational
        database} which is being continuously updated.
     
        For example, a decision support database might provide data to
        determine the average salary of different types of workers,
        whereas an operational database containing the same data would
        be used to calculate pay check amounts.
     
        Often, decision support data is extracted from operation
        databases.
     
        (1995-02-14)