CIS4365: Database Applications
Fall, 2017

Where are Databases used??

Although databases were originally designed to operate on large-scale computers, they are now used everywhere. There are a number of terms applied to indicate which areas of business are using them.

bulletEnterprise Databases. As you might imagine, Corporations rely on Databases as the backbone of their operations. More often than not, these databases are stored on minicomputers, mainframes or even super computers, although certainly they could be made available on network or intranet servers. There are some concerns with these databases, however:
 
bullet How should the data be distributed? We will talk more about this in the distributed database section.
bullet What Security Measures are in place? Security is a major issue when data is available corporate-wide.
bullet How will standards be enforced?  Because databases are used everywhere, a skilled Database Base Administrator (DBA) is needed.
 
bulletDepartmental Databases. Especially in larger organizations, individual functional areas (e.g., Marketing, Production, Finance, and so forth). Depending on the size of the department, these databases may run off of a Minicomputer or Local Area Network (LANS). Some of the key issues with departmental databases include:
 
bulletGiven the large number of users, how should the database be designed? Again, this has to do with issues of database distribution, which we will talk about later.
bullet What Security Measures are in place? As with enterprise databases, security is still a major issue.
bullet What database development tools are in place?  Databases typically come with various development packages, but larger databases need special tools.
bulletWho will be responsible for the database management? It the department is sufficiently large, a DBA might be required for the database. If not, someone will have to take responsibility for the database operation and maintenance.
 
bulletWorkgroup Databases. These are typically smaller groups of individuals working together on a common project. These databases generally run off of a Local Area Network (LANS) where individuals have their own Workstations or PCs. Some of the key issues with departmental databases include:
 
bulletHow can the database be optimized to meet the variety of different user needs? Everyone has different priorities and will use the database for different purposes.
bulletHow can the different members of the group use the database simultaneously without compromising the integrity of the database? We will discuss database integrity later, but basically we are asking how so many people could be involved in the creation, editing, and deletion of data without interfering with the others? Maybe they can't.
bulletWhat database operations should be performed locally (at the user's computer) or remotely (at some other location)? Once again, we will discuss these issues at a later date, but essentially, the best procedure is to allow the user to maintain the data which s/he uses most. Trying to determine which users need which data is not all that easy, however.
 
bulletPersonal/User Databases. These are databases that are developed, used and maintained primarily by individual users. These databases generally run off of a Local Area Network (LANS) where individuals have their own Workstations or PCs. Some of the key issues with personal databases include:
 
bullet Should the Application be purchased or developed in-house? Although applications which are made in-house might be more effective, generally speaking, the individual user does not have the skills to develop a 'good' database
bulletIf it is developed in-house, should it be developed by the IT department or the user? As noted above, the individual user might not have the skills necessary to develop and appropriate application. On the other hand, the IT department doesn't have the knowledge about what is required to perform the job (nor, perhaps, the time necessary to build the system).
bulletWhat data is required and how should it be designed? Individuals who develop databases on a regular basis, generally become quite good at determining what data is necessary. However, users are not generally experts at determining what data is necessary for a particular application.
bulletWho will be responsible for the database management? Unlike large departments, which may have the resources available to hire a DBA, users are generally left responsible for their own databases. This can be quite a challenge for someone who is unfamiliar with what is needed.

??? What types of databases are there ???

That is the next topic


This page was last updated on 02/26/04.