Lecture 1

Introduction to Databases

Lecture 1: Database Systems

Data and Information

Data: stored representations of meaningful objects and events

Structured: numbers, text, dates Unstructured: images, video, documents

Information: processed data for increasing knowledge Shared collection of logically related data (and a description of this data), designed to meet the informational needs of an organization.

Metadata: data that describes the properties and context of user data
Lecture 1: Database Systems

Summarized data

Graphical displays turn data into useful information that managers can use for decision making and interpretation

Types of Database

Centralized Distributed Decentralized

Centralized Databases
All data located at central site. Users at remote sites may generally access the database using communication facilities. Provides greater control over accessing and updating data than distributed databases. More vulnerable to failure since they depend on the availability of the resources at the central site.

Types of Centralized Databases

Personal Computer (PC) Database

normally have a single user who creates the database, updates and maintains the data, produces reports and displays. Often database supports one application, or at least a limited number of applications. Common applications are in small businesses. Typical applications include simple accounting, inventory management, and customer billing.

Types of Centralized Databases

CENTRAL COMPUTER DATABASES The data that most applications in large organizations access is stored on a central computer. users at remote locations can access the database using terminals and data communication links. Depending on the size of the organization, the central computer is usually a mainframe or a minicomputer.

Central Computer Database

They often involve very large, integrated databases that must be accessed by a large number of users. Usage is often intense, with several hundred transactions per second being processed. Typical applications include airline reservation systems, financial institutions, and express delivery companies.

Types of Centralized Databases

CLIENT/SERVER DATABASES designed for the distribution of work on a computer network in which many clients may share the services of a single server. A server provides services (called back-end functions-printing, file or database management, communications management, etc.) to requesting clients. A client (which provides front-end functions) is a software application that requests services from one or more servers.

Distributed Databases

DISTRIBUTED DATABASES It is a single logical database that is spread physically across computers in multiple locations. Types Homogeneous Distributed Databases Heterogeneous Distributed Databases

Homogeneous Distributed Databases

The term homogeneous means that the database technology is the same (or at least compatible) at each of the locations and that the data at the various locations are also compatible. For a database to be homogeneous, following conditions would probably exist:

The computer operating systems used at each of the locations are the same, or at least they are highly compatible. The data models used at each of the locations are the same (relational model usually used).

Homogeneous Distributed Databases

They simplify the sharing of data among the various users. They represent the design goal for distributed databases.

Heterogeneous Distributed Databases

In most organizations, databases evolve over a period of time without careful guidance or planning. Different computers and operating systems may be used at each of the locations. Different data models and database management systems are very common. To complicate matters further, the data across the locations are often incompatible. Sooner or later, the users at various locations discover that they need to share the data, despite the incompatibilities.

Heterogeneous Distributed Databases

One solution is to develop a completely new database that integrates all of the existing systems; however, this is often not technically or economically feasible. Instead, the databases are sometimes linked together. The result is a set of heterogeneous databases (the term federated databases is also sometimes used). Such a system generally limits the types of processing that users may perform: for example, a user at one location may be able to read but not update the data at another location.

Decentralized Database
Decentralized Database Collection of independent databases

Manual System Disadvantages

Case Study of Pine Valley Furniture Company

Stream of paper work and phone call required for communication Cannot answer the complex queries Cannot provide summary information Duplicate data exist

File Processing system/ File Based Systems

Focuses on the data processing needs of individual department of an organization instead of whole organization.

File Based System

Collection of application programs that perform services for the end users (e.g. reports).
Each program defines and manages its own data. The approach is process driven instead of data driven

Disadvantages of File Processing

Separation and isolation of data

Each program maintains its own set of data. Users of one program may be unaware of potentially useful data held by other programs. Same data is held by different programs. Wasted space and potentially different values and/or different formats for the same item.

Duplication of data

Fixed Queries/Proliferation of application programs

Programs are written to satisfy particular functions. Any new requirement needs a new program.

Data Inconsistency

Disadvantages of File Processing

Limited Data Sharing

No centralized control of data

Lengthy Development Times

Poor Enforcement of Standard

Excessive Program Maintenance

SOLUTION: The DATABASE Approach

Database Management System

A software system that is used to create, maintain, and provide controlled access to user databases
Order Filing System
Central database Contains employee, order, inventory, pricing, and customer data

Invoicing System

DBMS

Payroll System