Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Specialized Users.
Business analysts, scientists, researchers, and engineers who
are normally part of research and development departments need the database for
specialized purposes. These users know the power and features of database systems.
They write their own applications. Users of computer-aided design (CAD) tools also
fall into this group. These users need special database tools and utilities.
Individual Users.
Some users in your organization may justify maintaining stand-
alone, private databases for individual departments. Departments working with very
highly sensitive and confidential data may qualify for personal databases. Software
packages with easy graphics and menus meet the requirements of this group of
users.
Practitioners
We refer to the entire group of IT personnel who create and maintain databases as
database practitioners. These people keep the database environment functioning
and enable the users to reap the benefits. Broadly, we can classify database practi-
tioners into three categories: those who design, those who maintain, and those who
create the applications. Let us review the individual roles.
Business analysts.
Work with senior management, conduct special studies, and
interpret management's direction for information requirements. Interact with other
database practitioners.
Data modelers.
On the basis of information requirements, create semantic data
models with popular modeling techniques. Use computer-aided software engineer-
ing (CASE) tools to create data models.
Database designers.
Develop user views of data, integrate the views, and create
the logical design for the database to be implemented with the selected commer-
cial DBMS. Use CASE tools to generate the outputs of the logical design process.
Systems analysts.
Determine the process requirements of the various user
groups and write application specifications. Work with the programmers in testing
and implementing applications.
Programmer/analysts.
Translate applications into program code. Test and imple-
ment applications. Also, write programs to convert and populate databases from
prior file systems.
Database administrators.
Exercise overall control and manage the database.
Perform key functions in the database environment including the following:
•
Assist in acquiring additional hardware and system software.
•
Recommend and assist in obtaining the DBMS.
•
Create the physical model from the logical model and enter data dictionary
definitions.
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