Database Management Systems

The assigned reading "Database Management System" informs us about the structure and functions of database systems. In many enterprises where data and information are key assets, database management systems play an important role. The major purpose of a database is to provide users an abstract presentation of the data. As a result, each database is based on a data model that users can picture the data in a particular manner. However, database management systems play an important role, the main problem is to have limited ability to transfer the data from one software to another.

The second article that i read is called "Secure Database Management Systems" written by John Feikis. In this article, the author informs us on database security and describes the common database security problems. As organizations increase their reliance on information systems, they are becoming more vulnerable to security breaches.Especially, database security involves many issues due to the fact that it entails legal and ethical issues regarding the right to access private information. The author describes the Bell-LaPadula (BLP) model as an example of secure database management systems. He emphasizes that the BLP model is a formal description of allowable paths to information flow in a secure DBMS. He briefly explains that a secure database management system should be user-friendly, perform operations quickly and maintain data secrecy during all transactions.

The third article that i read is "Comparison of Database Management Systems" written by Gerald Post. In this article, the author explains his study on different database management systems. The quality of database engine and overall query performance are the most important features that are desired by the users. The author emphasizes that developers and database administrators perceive significant differences in the database tools they are currently using. The table below illustrates the results of author's research. According to this study, Oracle and IBM DB2 are rated higher than other competing products from a feature standpoint.

Comparison of DBMS products:(Projected column is based on regression
coefficients from group features.)

Legend for Chart:
A - DBMS
B - Rating
C - DBMS
D - Projected
A                B           C                  D
IBM DB2         7.778      Progress            7.782
DBase           7.444      Ingres              7.265
Ingres          7.308      IBM DB2             7.188
Informix        6.778      Omni                7.156
Paradox         6.556      DBase               7.115
Omni            6.400      Paradox             6.709
Oracle          6.250      Informix            6.537
Fox Pro         6.222      Fox Pro             6.371
Other           6.077      Other               6.302
Progress        6.000      Oracle              6.247
SyBase          5.857      MS SQL Server       5.532
MS SQL Server   5.684      SyBase              5.460
Access          5.000      Access              5.217