Database Reference
In-Depth Information
1.2 Overview of Database Management Systems
For the creation and management of a database, computer software packages are created. A com-
puter software package may also include tools for data analysis for business decision makers. Such
a software package is known as database management system. In the early 1970s, IBM developed
a DBMS known as SQL/DL, which was later developed into DB2. IBM also invented the data
querying language, structured query language (SQL), which is used for data retrieval and database
development and management. By the late 1970s, other DBMS vendors such as Oracle and Sybase
were established. In the 1980s, user-friendly personal DBMSs such as dBASE, Access, and Lotus
were developed for PCs. In the late 1980s, SQL Server 1.0 developed by Sybase for Microsoft was
released.
he DBMS to be covered by this topic is Microsoft Windows Azure SQL Database, which
extends the capabilities of Microsoft SQL Server to the cloud. Microsoft SQL Server was built
by Sybase and later was further developed by Microsoft. he choice of Microsoft Windows Azure
SQL Database is because it is very similar to Microsoft SQL Server. Microsoft SQL Server is
widely available. Users can create and test the databases locally and then migrate the database
objects to the Microsoft cloud platform, Windows Azure. SQL Server is included in the Windows
Azure Software Development Kit (SDK), which can be downloaded for free. With the Windows
Azure SDK, users can develop and test database applications locally in an emulated cloud environ-
ment. Once tested, these applications can be uploaded to Windows Azure. Another advantage of
SQL Server is that it can be seamlessly integrated with other Microsoft products. For example, it
can be integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio for application development. By being integrated
with Microsoft Visio, it can be used to accomplish tasks in database design. here are some other
factors that have also contributed to the decision. First, Microsoft Windows Azure SQL Database
is a user-friendly product. he easy-to-use feature is important for users who do not have previous
experience with DBMS products. By working with Microsoft Windows Azure SQL Database,
users will not be overwhelmed by the complexity of a DBMS.
he creation of a database in Windows Azure SQL Database is relatively easy. Once the
database is created on the cloud platform, users can get a quick start on the hands-on practice
included in this topic. On the other hand, Windows Azure SQL Database is sophisticated enough
to handle most of the enterprise-level database tasks. Windows Azure SQL Database includes the
components listed in Table 1.1 that can be used to accomplish various tasks in database system
development.
hese components are often included in other sophisticated DBMS systems too. he manage-
ment tools listed in Table 1.1 are commonly used by database developers to create and manage
database objects, extract information from existing databases, implement data access schemes,
develop database applications, perform data analyses, and exchange data over the Internet. he
DBMS provides a uniied working environment to allow database professionals to accomplish all
the above tasks. In later chapters, you will learn, in more detail, about these components.
1.3 Database Components
With a DBMS, a database professional can create various database objects. his section introduces
some commonly used database objects. hese database objects are used to store data, manage
data, conigure database properties, implement database security, and set up database constraints.
Figure 1.1 displays databases hosted by an SQL Database Server in Windows Azure SQL Database.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search