Database Reference
In-Depth Information
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DATA
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Figure 2-1
Progression to database environment.
database environment? What are the various pieces in the environment? Obviously,
corporate data must be a key component. What else? What is the complete setup?
What are the components? What are their features? What functions do they serve?
Let us examine these questions and understand the composition and significance of
a database environment.
WHAT MAKES UP A DATABASE ENVIRONMENT?
Consider an organization running file-oriented applications. The applications
depend on the data content in sequential or flat files. These files primarily consti-
tute the data system for the organization, and in such a system no special sophisti-
cation is required. No special storage mechanisms are necessary. The operating
system itself mostly supports data storage and data access facilities. Basic hardware,
data storage, and operating system alone establish the data environment. You do
not need anything too special. Such an environment provides information potential
on a moderate scale.
Contrast the file-oriented environment with the database environment. The
newer database environment provides data access in ways totally unmatched in the
file-oriented environment. On-line, real-time retrieval of substantially large result
sets is fairly common. Random and indexed access to data replaces the slow and
inefficient sequential access. The new environment clearly recognizes the value of
information as a key corporate asset and therefore protects the data. For similar
reasons, the environment also controls the access privileges and prevents unautho-
rized data retrieval. The new environment enables users to share information and
collaborate smoothly to achieve corporate goals.
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