Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
perform optimum routing algorithms, and the mixing of a local area net-
work (LAN) with a wide area network (WAN).
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)
Standard communication protocols are necessary to allow interopera-
bility among a variety of computer systems without regard to differences in
equipment. As of August 15, 1990, it is mandatory that federal agencies
acquire computer network products and services that are in accord with
the Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile (GOSIP).
DESIGN REVIEW
The result of the overall design of a distributed database strategy is the
determination of the distributed database architecture. Alternatives
include the client/server model, the homogeneous DBMS environment,
and the truly heterogeneous distributed DBMS environment. Establishing
site requirements involves identification of the hardware, software and
communications networks for each site.
Hardware and software configurations must be identified for each site in
the distributed database environment. Decisions on hardware must take
into consideration the use of existing hardware as opposed to acquiring
new hardware. The selection of distributed DBMS software and communi-
cations software must depend on the hardware platform supported. For
Commercial Off-The-Shelf software to be used, an analysis must incorpo-
rate supporting hardware considerations. These hardware and software
decisions must be made in a closely integrated manner. For example, it is
useless to select one type of hardware if the desired software cannot func-
tion on that particular hardware.
The feature analysis performed for the selection of the products (e.g.,a
DBMS ) involves identifying the features required for the application, com-
paring the required features against the features offered by the contending
products, and making the best final selection decision.
INSTALLATION OF A DISTRIBUTED DATABASE ENVIRONMENT
The technical activities performed during the installation phase involve
the actual implementation and testing of hardware, software, and commu-
nications software for each node of the distributed database environment.
Detailed engineering and physical tasks of running cables and establishing
hardware configurations are not described in this chapter.
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Installing a mainframe is quite different from installing a microcomputer.
If existing hardware is to be employed as a node within the distributed
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