File Design in

Information Systems
Databases and Modern
Information Systems
Database Overview and Terminology
A database differs from a collection of files in three
important ways:
1. Perspectives on data
2. Data Insulation
3. Data Redundancy.
The DBMS Environment
The Functional Databases
A DBMS, by performing a mapping function between
application programs and the logical database, allows
the same data to be viewed in a number of different
ways.
This mapping is done by the functional databases.
Functional databases translate the logical representation
of the database into representations (perspectives or
views) that are useful to different application programs.
The Data Insulation
A second mapping performed by a DBMS serves to
insulate application programs from details of physical
storage and to some extent provides physical data
independence.
If the physical layout of data changes for any reason,
the application programs need not change; only the
mapping changes.
The Data Redundancy.
Data redundancy is not only a waste of space but also
gives rise to the possibility of inconsistency,
By means of a DBMS many applications can see the
data in an optimized structure (their functional
database) and yet access the same actual data values
(the logical database)
However, it may not be possible to eliminate
redundancy entirely, due to security and performance
requirements of special needs.
The DBMS Environment
Functional Database Description
Logical Database Description
Whereas the functional database description describes
the logical viewpoint of a particular application program,
the logical database description describes the logical
properties of the entire database. This is the view of the
database administrator.
Physical Database Description
The way in which data is physically placed on storage
devices is described in the physical database
description.
Distributed systems.
In a distributed system the three-level description
(functional, logical, and physical) must be extended:
1. functional database description
2. overall logical description of complete database. (*)
3. logical description of the data at a particular node in
the network
4. physical description of the database at a particular
node.
Virtual Database
Virtual database technologies is to untie the knots
created when Information Technology personnel tries
to connect business users to disparate data sources.
This technologies enable two-way transactions across a
heterogeneous batch of databases and other
information sources.
The software abstracts data sources into a virtual
database of integrated information while acting as the
data delivery system for applications that include Web
services.
It lets users create XML documents that integrate data
sources such as relational databases, flat files, Web
sites, e-mail and application data,
e-Business Infrastructure
Business infrastructure evolves. As systems integrate,
new applications open, e-business increasingly
becomes the core of modern information systems.
e-Business Information Management
The Internet can deliver so much information from so
many sources, the challenge, is to work within
heterogeneous systems and sources, to facilitate the
full, efficient flow of information needed to achieve new
levels of organizational performance and competitive
advantage.
Integration can generate new strategic advantages,
opening the way to the rapid, cost-efficient
implementation of powerful business processes.
Security and privacy are e-business needs driven by
growth. New security threats can emerge at any time.
E-Business can be a very rewarding, but it should not
be undertaken lightly.
XML (1)
XML is a text-based markup language that is fast
becoming the standard for data interchange on the
Internet.
XML (2)
XML tags identify the data, while HTML specifying how
to display it.
XML(3)
Standardization
in information
representation
and transfer is
crucial to global
information
design and E-
Business.
XML is
platform- and
application-
independent.
e-Business and XML
E-Business has been a major factor in the evolution of
the Web itself. The trend in the dramatic growth of both
Business-to-Business (B2B ) and Business-to-Consumer
(B2C) E-Business will continue.
The Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a meta-
language which provides the syntax for markup
languages. XML is used to Exchange Data over the
Internet: An Universal Data Definition Tool.
XML can offer tremendous potential for businesses,
developers, and consumers involved in modern
information systems.