Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Users. The fundamental goal of a database environment is to satisfy the informa-
tion needs of the end users. The user population extends to the entire organization
in need of information for performing their day-to-day tasks.
When you review the components in the overall architecture, you will notice that
these fall into three major groups: (1) hardware, (2) software, and (3) people and
procedures. Let us now briefly examine the general features of these three groups
that make up the database environment. In later sections of this chapter, we will get
into the details of the functions and features of individual components.
Hardware Infrastructure
Hardware components form the basic infrastructure over which the functions of the
database environment take place. First of all, you need hardware storage to store
the data and the structure definitions. Then you need the processors and the com-
puter memory components to retrieve, process, and update the data by using the
structure definitions. You require communication links to connect the database to
the user machines. Figure 2-3 shows parts of the hardware infrastructure.
Note the choice of hardware platforms. Database environments may exist in a
mainframe, mini-computer, or client/server configuration. Modern database systems
use storage devices that operate using the RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive
Disks) technology. You will get a detailed description of RAID in Chapter 12.
The client machines and the communication links are also part of the hardware
infrastructure.
Supporting Software
If hardware forms the infrastructure for the database environment, software pro-
vides the supporting layer for the environment to function. Software controls and
enables the storage and use of data. Figure 2-4 presents the software group of
components.
Mini
Client
Machine /
Terminal
RAID
OR
Mainframe
Client
Machine /
Terminal
Hard
Disk
Array
OR
Server
Machine
Figure 2-3
Hardware infrastructure.
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