Database Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 2
OVERVIEW OF MAJOR COMPONENTS
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
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Understand the various aspects of the database environment
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Examine the overall architecture of the database environment
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Identify the different components that make up the database environment
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Note the distinction between DB and DBMS
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Study the functions and features of each component
What is the database approach? You have gained an insight into how the database
approach for storing, retrieving, and managing data is superior to the earlier file-
oriented approaches. We have discussed the evolution of database systems in detail.
Organizations could not tolerate the limitations of file-oriented systems because of
escalating demand for information. Explosive growth of computing technology,
especially in the area of data systems, acted as a strong catalyst for development
of the database approach. Over the past decades, different types of data models—
hierarchical, network, and relational—have evolved to offer tremendous benefits to
organizations. More and more commercial databases emerged in the marketplace.
Most organizations have adopted the database approach. To manage corporate
data and satisfy information needs, companies have created database environments
within their organizations. The database environment exists to support the organi-
zation's business. Figure 2-1 traces the typical progression to a database environ-
ment in an organization. Note the differences between the database environment
and the earlier environments.
If a database environment is established in an organization to support the
information requirements, what must the environment be composed of? What is a
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