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The document discusses the classification of Database Management Systems (DBMS) based on data models, user numbers, and database distribution. It highlights the prevalence of relational data models and the emergence of object-oriented models, as well as the distinctions between centralized and distributed database systems. Key terms related to these classifications are also defined for clarity.

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5 views4 pages

Lec4 2

The document discusses the classification of Database Management Systems (DBMS) based on data models, user numbers, and database distribution. It highlights the prevalence of relational data models and the emergence of object-oriented models, as well as the distinctions between centralized and distributed database systems. Key terms related to these classifications are also defined for clarity.

Uploaded by

kphcwqh9rs
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lecture 4 Database basics

Classification of Database Management Systems


Database management systems can be classified based on several criteria, such as the data
model, user numbers and database distribution, all described below.

1. Classification Based on Data Model


The most popular data model in use today is the relational data model. Well-known
DBMSs like Oracle, MS SQL Server, DB2 and MySQL support this model. Other
traditional models, such as hierarchical data models and network data models, are
still used in industry mainly on mainframe platforms. However, they are not
commonly used due to their complexity. These are all referred to as
traditional models because they preceded the relational model.

In recent years, the newer object-oriented data models were introduced. This model
is a database management system in which information is represented in the form of
objects as used in object-oriented programming. Object-oriented databases are
different from relational databases, which are table-oriented. Object-oriented
database management systems (OODBMS) combine database capabilities with
object-oriented programming language capabilities.

The object-oriented models have not caught on as expected so are not in widespread
use. Some examples of object-oriented DBMSs are O2, ObjectStore and Jasmine.

2. Classification Based on User Numbers


A DBMS can be classification based on the number of users it supports. It can be a
single-user database system, which supports one user at a time, or a multiuser
database system, which supports multiple users concurrently.

3. Classification Based on Database Distribution


There are four main distribution systems for database systems and these, in turn,
can be used to classify the DBMS.
Lecture 4 Database basics

Centralized database systems


With a centralized database system, the DBMS and database are stored at a single
site that is used by several other systems too. This is illustrated in Figure 6.1.

Figure 6.1. Example of a centralized database system.

In the early 1980s, many Canadian libraries used the GEAC 8000 to convert their
manual card catalogues to machine-readable centralized catalogue systems. Each
book catalogue had a barcode field similar to those on supermarket products.

Distributed database system


In a distributed database system, the actual database and the DBMS software are
distributed from various sites that are connected by a computer network, as shown
in Figure 6.2.

Figure 6.2. Example of a distributed database system.


Lecture 4 Database basics

Homogeneous distributed database systems

Homogeneous distributed database systems use the same DBMS software from
multiple sites. Data exchange between these various sites can be handled easily.
For example, library information systems by the same vendor, such as Geac
Computer Corporation, use the same DBMS software which allows easy data
exchange between the various Geac library sites.

Heterogeneous distributed database systems

In a heterogeneous distributed database system, different sites might use different


DBMS software, but there is additional common software to support data exchange
between these sites. For example, the various library database systems use the
same machine-readable cataloguing (MARC) format to support library record data
exchange.
Lecture 4 Database basics

Key Terms

Centralized database system: the DBMS and database are stored at a single site
that is used by several other systems too

Distributed database system: the actual database and the DBMS software are
distributed from various sites that are connected by a computer network

Heterogeneous distributed database system: different sites might use different


DBMS software, but there is additional common software to support data exchange
between these sites

Homogeneous distributed database systems: use the same DBMS software at


multiple sites

Multiuser database system: a database management system which supports


multiple users concurrently

Object-oriented data model: a database management system in which


information is represented in the form of objects as used in object-oriented
programming

Single-user database system: a database management system which supports one


user at a time

Traditional models: data models that preceded the relational model

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