Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
You've already been introduced to some of these, specifically the data repos-
itory, data dictionary, and database software, here shown as the DBMS. Let's take
a brief look at each of these functional building blocks, which include the
following:
Data repository:
stores the organization's data in databases. This is
essential in every database environment.
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Data dictionary:
contains the definition of structures of the data stored
in the data repository.
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DBMS:
the Database Management System software needed to manage
storage, use, and protection of the data stored in the database.
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Systems software:
includes the operating system, network operating
system, and utility programs that are needed to support and work with
the DBMS.
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Hardware:
hardware is part of the underlying infrastructure and includes
processors, storage devices, and network connections.
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Network:
part of the hardware, but outside of the computer providing
local and remote communication paths. Can include the Internet as a
remote communication backbone.
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Application software:
suite of application programs to perform business
processes that use the database.
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Front-end tools:
these include query tools, report writers, and other
front-end tools that supplement the application programs for data access
and usage.
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Procedures:
procedures relate to instructions and guidelines for use by
database practitioners and end users to streamline the operations in the
database environment.
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Application interfaces:
these include hardware and software components
at the client workstation to connect to the database through application
programs, query tools, or report writers.
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Practitioners:
these include data administrators, database administrators,
analysts, and programmers responsible for database design, deployment,
and maintenance.
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Users:
the fundamental goal of a database environment is to satisfy the
information needs of the end users. The user population extends to the
entire organization in need of information for performing their day-to-
day tasks.
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The components in the overall architecture fall into three major groups:
(1) hardware, (2) software, and (3) people and procedures.
