Database Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 1
What exactly is this thing called data modeling? Simply put,
data model-
ing
is the process of figuring out how to store digitized information in a
logically structured computer database. It may sound easy, but a lot goes
into the process of developing a sound data model. Data modeling is a
technical process that involves understanding and mapping business infor-
mation to logical objects that can eventually be stored in a database. This
means that a data modeler must wear many hats to do the job effectively.
You not only must understand the process by which the model is built, but
you also must be a data detective. You must be good at asking questions
and finding out what is really important to your customer.
In data modeling, as in many areas of information technology, cus-
tomers know what they want, but they don't always know what they need.
It's your job to figure out what they need. Suppose you're dealing with
Tom, a project manager for an appliance distribution company. Tom un-
derstands that his company orders refrigerators, dishwashers, and the like
from the manufacturers and then takes orders and sells those appliances to
its customers (retail stores). What Tom doesn't know is how to take that in-
formation, model it, and ultimately store it in a database so that it can be
leveraged to help the company make decisions or control a process.
In addition to finding out what information your customer cares about
and getting it into a database, you must find out how the customer intends
to use the information. Is it for historical purposes, or will the company use
the data in its daily operations? Will it be used only to produce reports, or
will an application need to manipulate the data regularly? As if that weren't
enough, you eventually have to think about turning your data model into a
physical database.
There are many choices on the market when it comes to database man-
agement products. These products are similar in that they allow you to
store, secure, and use information in databases; however, each product im-
plements features in its own way, so you must also make the best use of
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