An Analysis of Assoicative Processing Methods in Data Management

摘要

An associative approach to data management is developed and a methodology for measuring the performance and effectiveness of this approach is provided. Mathematical models which quantitatively describe retrieval, storage requirements, updating and flexibility are developed for both a class of current systems and the associative system. Utilizing these models, a theoretical comparison is developed between the two systems so that for given classes of data management problems, one can determine which system is more favorable. Information Systems for Associative Memories (IFAM), a test model data management system based on the associative approach and implemented on a hardware associative memory is described. It is a display oriented on-line data management system implemented to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the associative system. Using IFAM it is easy for a user to rapidly achieve operational capability with a data base designed to fit his requirements. Comparisons between IFAM and an operational current system verify that the associative system out-performs current systems. (Author)