Compare and Contrast OODBMSs and RDBMSs - Page 1

Individual Assignment Week 3

Compare and Contrast OODBMSs and RDBMSs

Nancy Flowers-Mangs

Database Concepts - DBA 330

Instructor - Murry Jensen

March 17, 2004

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Introduction

Databases are used throughout the computer industry

to store and manage data of different types and scales. To

provide the best possible solution, several types of DBMSs

are available to meet the needs of the specific business

problem that needs to be addressed. The benefits and

drawbacks of the two major types of DBMSs, Object Oriented

Database Management Systems (OODBMSs) and Relational

Database Management Systems (RDBMSs ) will be discussed

in this paper.

Relational Database Management System

The most widely used DBMS is the Relational Database

Management System (RDBMS). This system is based on a

table structure that stores and manages data. A table is a

predefined categories of datum that are made up of rows

and columns. The columns store the fields that define the

category of data. Each row holds a complete record for the

table where the data is stored. Each table has a key field

that uniquely identifies the table. The key field is the field
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that is used to create relationships between other tables in

an effort to connect data. This type of organization allows

data to be stored in smaller increments and then connected

by through association. A key field is a unique field that

identifies the table and allows relationships to be created

between tables. Business rules are applied to the tables and

fields to ensure the data is accessed and used properly. SQL

(Standard Query Language) is the tool/language that is used

to interact with and between tables to utilize the data in

ways that is meaningful to the business rules.

The Object Oriented Database Management System

(OODMS) do not have as high a usage rate. This type of

DBMS provides high performance for companies with

extensive amounts of data that is highly complex. OODMSs

incorporate Object Oriented technology where the data is

seen as an object. Data is defined as an objects and classes

(collections of like minded objects). The data objects utilize

the concept of inheritance, where the lower classes inherit

the data definitions and methods from the upper classes.

The class defines only the data it is associated with. This

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helps to determine how the classes of objects relate to each

other. Data is accessed in a transparent manner through

intersections of persistent objects.

So why would one choose RDBMS or OODBMS? There is

no real right or wrong answer to this question. The choice

made is based on the data to be stored/managed, the type

of database needed and the technology preferences of the

company providing the service or company who is receiving

the service. Often the choice is made based on the skill set

available and the DBMS that is already available.

Benefits and Drawback of Each System

Regardless of the preference, each DBMS has its

benefits and drawbacks. OOBMS are documented as being

easy to maintain as classes and objects can be developed

and updated separate from the system. Performance is also

high with OODBMSs as one can store complex datasets in

their entirety and therefore process data more quickly. Due

to the class structure, the data can be more easily

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distributed across networks as well as the distribution of

work. A query language is not necessary since the

interaction of the data is done by transparently accessing

the objects. No keys are needed to identify the datasets or

create connections between the relationships. Many

developers find the programming time to be reduced with an

OODBMS since objects inherit the characteristics of the

classes. The use of classes also helps to ensure the integrity

of the data. In addition, a class is reusable for the existing

database and other databases so that it can be distributed

more easily across networks.

On the other hand, Relational Database Management

Systems (RDMS) are much easier to learn and create. Many

of the available systems have a GUI interface that makes the

technology available to people who are not highly technical.

Since the database is not dependent on a complex schema,

increasing the capability and size is relatively easy. Ad-hoc

queries can also be added using Structured Query Language

(SQL) once the production database has been completed. In

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addition, the data can be used independently as the tables

are set up as separate entities rather than grouped in class.

Both systems have their drawbacks as well. OODBMSs

have their drawbacks. They can be somewhat complex and

difficult to learn due to the object oriented technology. When

a change needs to be made to the database, the entire

schema must be updated. Queries are dependent upon the

system and therefore must be predetermined in the planning

stages. Adding queries to the database after the fact is a

difficult task.

While RDBMSs are easier to use, they are limited to

simple data types and therefore do not support more

complex types such as multimedia. In addition, if the data

that needs to be processed is complicated and extensive,

performance may suffer. While there are lots of solutions

within this family of database systems, they may not be

robust enough to handle larger scale projects.

Conclusion

Both types of database technologies provide a solution

for the right type of project. The choice to use one vs. the
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other depends on the type of project, skills of the

development group and the technology available for the

company who is looking for a DBMS.

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References

Barry & Associates (n.d.) Object-oriented database

articles and products Retrieved from the World Wide Web
March 13, 2004. http://www.service-
architecture.com/object-oriented-databases/

Lozano, F. (n.d.) Introduction to Relational Database

Design. Retrieved from the World Wide Web March 13, 2004.
http://www.edm2.com/0612/msql7.html

Definition of a Relational Database. (n.d) Retrieved

from the World Wide Web March 13, 2004.
http://www.digitale.it/lezione/database/whatis/relation.htm

Tech-Target.com Object Oriented Programming –

Definition. (n.d) Retrieved from the World Wide Web March
13, 2004.
http://searchwin2000.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid1_gci2
12681,00.html

Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute - Object

Oriented Database (2004). Retrieved from the World Wide
Web March 13, 2004.
http://www.sei.cmu.edu/str/descriptions/oodatabase_body.ht
ml

Leavitt Communications Inc. (2004) Industry Trends –

Whatever happened to Object Oriented Databases.
Retrieved from the World Wide Web March 13, 2004.
http://www.leavcom.com/db_08_00.htm

Obasanjo, D. (2001) An Exploration of Object Oriented

Database Management Systems
http://www.25hoursaday.com/WhyArentYouUsingAnOODBMS
.html