The main purpose of a database management system (DBMS) is to efficiently store, manage, and retrieve structured data. A DBMS simplifies data handling by providing a systematic way to access and manipulate data through query languages like SQL. It ensures data integrity, security, and consistency while allowing multiple users to interact with the data concurrently. DBMS also supports backup and recovery processes, protecting against data loss. By facilitating seamless data operations, a DBMS plays a vital role in supporting business applications and decision-making processes.