Database Reference
In-Depth Information
22.7 Summary and Concluding Remarks
Let us summarize what we have covered in this chapter:
•
A distributed database systems is a conglomeration of database
systems in which each system operates as an autonomous system
on its own, or collaborates with other systems as required.
•
Distributed databases systems provide a number of benefits in the
areas of efficiency and productivity, convenience, and reliability.
•
Distributed database systems should strive to conform to the
standards outlined in Date's twelve rules for such systems.
•
Distributed databases face challenges in the areas of query
optimization, catalog management, update propagation,
concurrency control and transaction management.
•
A database gateway is a software component that links two
different DBMS suites.
•
Distributed databases have been significantly affected
by developments in object technology and electronic
communications technology. This is expected to continue in the
foreseeable future.
Distributed databases have helped to transform our world in a significant way.
To fully appreciate the power of distributed databases, just consider for a moment, a
world without them: no World Wide Web; minimized reliability on critical company
databases; reduced capabilities on operating systems; limited remote access to databases.
The next chapter takes a closer look at object databases.
22.8 Review Questions
1.
Define a distributed database system. Discuss the advantages
of such systems.
2.
Outline and clarify the twelve rules for distributed database
systems.
3.
Discuss the challenges to distributed database system.
4.
As an IT professional (perhaps in training), what are your
future expectations for distributed database systems?
