Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
depending on variable factors such as the size and type of database, the expected
number of users, details of the database application and its processing require-
ments, and whether or not the server must support other applications in addi-
tion to the DBMS. Most manufacturers provide guidelines for calculating your
actual server requirements.
In a database environment, servers and client workstations require power-
ful, fast processors. The processors in the client computers perform instructions
to present data to the users in many new and sophisticated ways. There may be
additional processing requirements, such as locally performed calculations,
depending on the specific client application software. The processors in the
application servers (database servers) must process complex requests for data
from the database and perform data manipulation. As with the client, requirements
vary depending on the application. A common option is to have a multiple-
tier configuration for server-side processing where the database server is separate
from an application server running additional application components.
Main memory
provides temporary storage of data and programs. This is also
where data manipulation physically occurs. On a database server, much of the
memory is dedicated to
memory buffers,
memory set aside within the main
memory specifically for storing database data, as shown in Figure 2-10. When
data is initially requested, it is read from the hard disk and maintained in the
Figure 2-10
System memory
Buffer memory
Data request
Database Client
Database
Buffer memory use.
