A database by definition is a collection of data records organized in a relational data structure which makes them capable of being replicated, retrieved and analyzed in a myriad of applications or use cases. The majority of databases in use today are based on relational technology, with the minority relying on object-oriented schema (Velicanu, Litan, Vîrgolici, 2010). Object-oriented databases, due to their data structures, are more attuned to the specific needs of the engineering and scientific community (Jadhao, Bamnote, 2012). Databases has progressed rapidly in the last decade, including advanced Structural Query Language (SQL) support, great Business Intelligence (BI), analytics and support for Big Data initiatives (Velicanu, Litan, Vîrgolici, 2010). A Database Management systems (DBMS) differs from a database in that the latter is a single enterprise application typically and a DBMS is a collection or set of programs that are combined to capture, analyze, modify and report data (Ahlswede, Aydinian, 2011). Database management systems are often designed for a highly specific purpose in a business or organization. While there are many different structures inherent in the definition, implementation and use of a DBMS, the most common structures are flat, hierarchical, relational and network-based (Velicanu, Litan, Vîrgolici, 2010). These network architectures are deliberately designed to ensure the analysis, data and results achieved with these systems are directly applicable to specific business strategies, objectives, needs of the business and its many stakeholders (Ulusoy, 1998). DBMS systems are also designed to support more advanced (Kinsley, Hughes, 1988).
Database
What is a database? Is a database the same as a database management system (DBMS)? Why or why not?
A database by definition is a collection of data records organized in a relational data structure which makes them capable of being replicated, retrieved and analyzed in a myriad of applications or use cases. The majority of databases in use today are based on relational technology, with the minority relying on object-oriented schema (Velicanu, Litan, Virgolici, 2010). Object-oriented databases, due to their data structures, are more attuned to the specific needs of the engineering and scientific community (Jadhao, Bamnote, 2012). Databases has progressed rapidly in the last decade, including advanced Structural Query Language (SQL) support, great Business Intelligence (BI), analytics and support for Big Data initiatives (Velicanu, Litan, Virgolici, 2010).
A Database Management systems (DBMS) differs from a database in that the latter is a single enterprise application typically and a DBMS is a collection or set of programs that are combined to capture, analyze, modify and report data (Ahlswede, Aydinian, 2011). Database management systems are often designed for a highly specific purpose in a business or organization. While there are many different structures inherent in the definition, implementation and use of a DBMS, the most common structures are flat, hierarchical, relational and network-based (Velicanu, Litan, Virgolici, 2010). These network architectures are deliberately designed to ensure the analysis, data and results achieved with these systems are directly applicable to specific business strategies, objectives, needs of the business and its many stakeholders (Ulusoy, 1998). DBMS systems are also designed to support more advanced (Kinsley, Hughes, 1988).
Identify at least three popular DBMS's in use today and note some of their common features.
Three of the more popular databases actively in use today include IBM DB2 Version 10.1, Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and Oracle 11g Release 2. All three of these databases share a common foundation of Structured Query Language (SQL) support, shell scripting using PERL and advanced programming languages for shell script and automated workflow support. In addition, all three databases have the ability to manage auto-completion of tables, tasks and records, in addition to support for multi-server support as well. All have extensive support for data import, export and reporting, in addition to support for exporting data in a variety of formats and data structures as well. Each of these databases also supports the four foundational elements of data atomicity, consistency, isolation of data elements and structures and durability (ACID) compliance (Ahlswede, Aydinian, 2011). ACID compliance is what gives these databases the ability to scale reliably and manage many millions of transactions on a daily basis, while also managing parallel functions including reporting, data analysis, and advanced data structure development.
How are DBMS's used today? Describe the benefits of DBMS.
Databases are the foundation of enterprise applications today, supporting the performance of entire enterprises, across a very broad scope of applications. Databases are powering the accounting and finance, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Human Resource Management (HRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Project and Proposal Management (PPM) and a wide spectrum of service systems as well. (Velicanu, Litan, Virgolici, 2010). What the use of databases have in common across this broad base of applications is the functioning as a system of record and foundation for analyzing the performance of each system relative to the other (Kinsley, Hughes, 1988). Databases are also used extensively for managing the most complex aspects of an enterprise, including distributed order management, service lifecycle management and warranty management (Ulusoy, 1998).
The benefits of databases include the ability to complete very rapid, complex inquiries of data, support several thousand users concurrently, in addition to data portability and greater flexibility in simplifying complex processes. There are also many benefits that are based on the ACID compliance of databases, including their scalability and support for highly synchronized, complex transactions. Databases often have a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over time due to their ability to manage multiple data tasks and roles concurrently throughout an organization (Suciu, 2012). Databases also deliver exceptional value for managing multiple customer groups or audiences, providing insights into how best to complete integrated marketing communications (IMC) strategies in the process. All of these factors of databases are unified by their reliance on a common system of record or data structure that allows for quick scalability across the entire enterprise. These factors further accelerate the value and TCO of databases over time.
Describe the features, tools, and utilities of Structured Query Language (SQL). How can tasks be automated with SQL?
SQL has specifically been designed with features, tools and utilities to enable programmers to support nth-tier data architectures in addition to legacy client-server computing scenarios. The development and continual improvement of the features, tools and utilities of SQL for automating tasks have also been augmented to include auditing of programming tasks as well (Dadashzadeh, 2003). The functionality, features, tools and utilities of SQL have also been specifically designed to measure and improve performance as well (Mercioiu, Vladucu, 2010). The specific tools included in nearly all SQL language platforms include support for data migration via the ODBC interface (Melton, 1996), support for enhanced multi-table and data modeling support, and enterprise-wide migration of databases across diverse computing platforms (Melton, 1996). In addition to these developments, SQLs' features, tools and utilities also support advanced features including advanced programming and integration technologies. Now supported in the latest release are support for Active Service Pages (ASP), XML integration, legacy ODBC support, and support for a wide variety of scripting programs and utilities as well. All of these technologies taken together are also designed to compliment the legacy J2EE and .NET programming foundations of enterprise databases from Oracle, IBM and Microsoft respectively. Microsoft bases its SQL and data structure architecture on the .NET platform which has proven to be ideal for large-scale enterprise systems and mobile deployments (Jadhao, Bamnote, 2012). All databases support greater transaction support in the form of advanced crosstab and multi-tiered table structures as well. All of these factors taken together are what differentiate the SQL features, tools and utilities for the many other alternatives in the market today.
How is security implemented in a relational database?
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