Computer Science and Technology: Guide on Data Models in the Selection and Use of Database Management Systems

摘要

Selecting a database management system involves matching users' requirements and the capabilities of available products. One way to simplify this task is to define data models identifying both data structures and the operations on those structures. In the past every commercial product has implemented its own data model. Now technical committee X3H2 of the American National Standards Institute is working on specifications for two models that are similar but not identical to many existing products. In addition to the issue of data models, prospective buyers of database software need to consider features that affect daily operations. Existing hardware and operating systems sometimes limit the choice to a few commercial products. Systems also vary widely in their facilities for backup and recovery, bulk loading, scheme manipulation, concurrency control, and report writers.