



By N2H

What is Database Security?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

Database security is a series of processes and systems which are put in place to protect the database from any outside source that has a malicious intent or from anyone inadvertently accessing the database, whether they may be authorized or not. There are other security measures in place such as firewalls and routers, and these are some examples of those handling the external security of the database. Likewise, there are also network security systems in place to detect any malicious activity within the network. There are many other database information securities put in place to ensure maximum security, and some of these are access control, auditing, and encryption.

Database Security

Setting Up Database Security

The security placed in a database can begin by the construction and publication of a set security standard placed in the environment of the database. Included in the database standard are the controls for different platforms as well as set practices for crossing over different platforms and links. Authentication as well as integrity is also part of the security procedures placed in a database.

One of the steps done by the administrators of the database is to check for vulnerability. This is done to see whether there are holes in the system that can allow other sources into the database. Any vulnerability discovered should be patched up to strengthen the security for databases.

Vulnerability Scan and Compliance Program

One major task for those databases that have critical environments is the continual monitoring program for compliance of the database security. This program is almost the same as the vulnerability scan, with the difference being that the vulnerability scan checks for holes which, in turn, lead to the strengthening of the security measure, which is needed for compliance monitoring. The vulnerability scan is only the first part in checking the strength of the database security before it is used, while the compliance program is used continuously to check whether the database security is still working or not.

The compliance program should also check the application dependencies since any changes done in the database level can affect it. The abstraction in the layer of the database is provided by the authentication as well as the authorization at the application layer. One benefit that abstraction provides is the sign-on system that can be used by a single person. This sign-on system gathers the ID and password of the user and stores as well as authenticates it.

Real-Time Monitoring

There is also the real-time monitoring of the database that allows the administrator to monitor the paths usually used to access the database, this is done so as they can gather or have an idea of any unrecognized movement within this path to the database. This will help eliminate possible sources or malicious users to access the database.

Additional Protections

Database security should be able to provide multiple encryption methods as well as authentication codes to make sure that the passwords and IDs given by the users cannot be accessed by anyone else, aside from the database administrator. Aside from the database security, a recovery program should also be put in place in case of emergencies that may disrupt the database administrator from accessing the database. This will help prevent any loss of information whenever such situation arises.

Share This Now!

Related Posts:

What is Database Auditing?

What is Database Encryption?

Create your first Mysql database

What is a DBA or Database Administrator?

Posted in Security | | 0 Comments

What is Database Development?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

Whether you want to use the internet as a soap box to publish your content to reach people around the world or want to become the next online mogul, developing a database comes first. Databases are used to store and manage data in a computer.

If you just want to publish your content online, there are inexpensive ways to do that. You can create HTML and data pages by using database softwares to publish them. But other needs, such as multiple users and web interaction and applications, require server databases. Server databases can be expensive, but there are free softwares online that web owners can use. The World Wide Web is a fast-paced place so web owners have to keep their database updated.

Database Development

Database Development Needs for Simple and Complex Websites

To be able to create your own website and publish your own content online, you need a database that will store and manage your data. Data is basically everything on your website. This data is often generated with a script such as HTML, so it can be published online.

There are different types of databases depending on your needs. If you want to make a simple website, you can use a flat file style database. This database is used to handle small amounts of data that can be edited. If you want to make a website about yourself or something that you are passionate about, this is the ideal database.

On the other hand, if you want a more complex website with web interaction and applications, this requires a more logical structure. This is called relational databases. Tables can be used to represent objects, which also act as attributes. They can also be linked to each other, enabling cross references within the site. Database servers are needed to maintain a complex website, especially if you have many web applications. There are ways though that you can develop your site without spending any money, and this is by using the proper database software.

Inexpensive Database Development

There are inexpensive ways to develop your website. If you want a simple website to publish your content, you can use Microsoft Access. Web owners can use active server pages to create dynamic websites. There are also free database softwares such as DB2 Express-C. This software enables a web owner to store their data, create multiple databases and manage their resources. Unlike other softwares, DB2 does not put restrictions on storage, instances and resources.

Managing and Maintaining Databases

But the work doesn’t stop there, databases, like any other business, also need to be regularly maintained and managed. Database administrators are tasked to maintain database management systems. They are tasked to manage, evaluate and monitor the database software and its related products.

If you are serious in making an online business or want your business over the Internet, you have to think about database development and management. If you are not cut for the job, there are IT professionals who can help you out. Web owners also need to keep themselves updated if they want to be ahead of the pack in the World Wide Web, and because competition is stiff, making your own website is just the start.

Share This Now!

Related Posts:

What is a Microsoft Access Database?

What is a Database Migration?

What is a Data Dictionary?

What is ODBC or Open Data Base Connectivity?

What are Database Models?

Posted in General | | 0 Comments

What is a Database Transaction?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

When we are talking about database transaction, we are referring to a work or operation done within a management system of a database against another database using an understandable and reliable approach. This operation is done on its own without relying on another program. The transactions done in a database has two uses. First, the unit of work provided by the transaction produces accurate recovery of data whenever a failure occurs. It also keeps the information within the database accurate during the failure of the system, sudden end of an execution, as well as unfinished operations in a database. Second, the database transaction isolates the database from other programs that is accessing the database at the same time. This helps prevent mistakes with the outputs.

Database Transaction

Features of Database Transaction

Most database programmers follow certain database features whenever they create one. Databases should be atomic, isolated, durable, and consistent. Transaction in a database is commonly referred to as all-or-nothing. This means that a transaction should finish totally; otherwise, there will be no effect on the database. The system should also be able to separate one transaction from another and make sure that the results of a transaction agree with the constraints in the database, and all successful transactions should be placed in a storage that will last a long time.

Most databases and data storages have certain features that allow them to manipulate the transactions within a database in order to preserve the integrity of the recorded information. Each transaction done is composed of a single or several actions that reads and writes the information into a database or data storage. It is better for you to check whether the transaction that occurred is accurate or consistent.

The recently released relational database management systems support transactional databases. Any transaction that is done in a database system may contain more than one manipulation of data either reading the data or writing it into the database or storage. Most database users consider the integrity and consistency of the data whenever they are making transactions. Most transactions done use query languages such as SQL. There are steps that are followed by these query languages, and these are - starting the transaction; carrying out a number of data queries and manipulations; if no errors are found, then transaction is ended; and of course, if an error occurs, the action is reverted to its origin and then ended.

All-or-Nothing

When no errors occur during the transaction, all the operation that happened and the result will be persisted into the database. This means that all action done within the transaction and its end result will then be stored into the database or in data storage. But, when an error happens, the transaction will then revert to its original state and end the transaction without altering anything within the database. There is no event in a database transaction where it is half done. The transaction should either be finished in its entirety or not. This is to ensure that all information within the database is accurate and consistent with one another.

Share This Now!

Related Posts:

What is a Distributed Database?

What is SQL or Structured Query Language?

Database Consulting Services

Posted in Architecture, General | | 0 Comments

What is a Database Migration?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

The internet is a fast-paced world. In a place where there are literally hundreds of other competitors, you need to keep yourself updated. To be able to do this, you need to go hand in hand with the development of technology. There’s always a new version around the corner, so it’s important to keep your system updated to keep with everybody else. Whether you are a web owner, an online merchant or an e-mogul, it’s important to keep your database updated.

Database Migration

Database Migration

Database migration is the key in upgrading to new systems. It’s also done when an organization merges or is taken over by another. Migration is transferring and rewriting data from an old medium to the current one. This is usually done to preserve digital objects for a long time, such as reproducing newspapers into microfilm. This is also done to preserve data¸ at the same time, maintain the database.

Database migration, as its name suggests, is basically upgrading your system from an old version to a new one. It is also done to transfer data to a different and more efficient system. The data is transferred between computer systems and requires different phases - design, extraction, cleaning, loading, and verification. The data is mapped from the old system to the new. This creates a design for reading the data from the old system and writing it to the new one. The format of the old data is also related to the new system. Cleaning is done to remove obsolete information and to make sure that the data matches the new system’s requirements. After the data is loaded to the new system, it is then verified to make sure that the process was done successfully. The data should be translated accurately and completely and should support the new system’s processes.

Pros and Cons of Database Migration

Data migration is important to maintain a database, but there are also disadvantages. Technologies used to run the data may have become obsolete, which renders the migration useless. It is also time consuming and costly since migration has to be done regularly because technology changes from time to time. Plus, additional storage is also needed for every migration.

But migration is still important to maintain a database and can be efficient when done properly. More often than not, changes incorporated in the migration process are lumped together, which creates risks. The migration process should be done in steps and tested before being implemented. There are articles online which can help web owners to in migrating from old to new versions.

Due to the disadvantages of migration, alternatives such as emulation are now being developed by IT professionals. It’s the ability of a program to imitate another one. The program is called an emulator, which copies the functions of another program. But this technology is still being developed and database migration is still the key process in upgrading databases. Although the process has its setbacks, it can become a very efficient way of importing from the old to exporting to the new if done properly.

Share This Now!

Related Posts:

No related posts

Posted in Architecture, General | | 0 Comments

What is a Database Management System or DBMS?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

The Database Management system or DBMS is also called a file or database manager that allows users to have access to a database. When a person uses a database manager system, he has the opportunity to understand where the necessary data are located. The Database Management System manages the user’s request to access a database and its data on other related programs.

All about Database Management Systems

A database system is a compilation of information in collaboration with a set of program in order to access the data. The primary objective of using this kind of system is to establish a convenient and efficient working environment.

Database Tables

A database management system is used to manage large files. In using the database system, you must understand that this system will aid in storing and manipulating important information. Moreover, this kind of system also contributes to the safety of your files against system crashes or unauthorized access. In certain circumstances where a person needs to share a data, the system will make sure that there will never be an incidence of file corruption.

The Special Features of Database Management Systems

The database management system has played its role in developing new tools to help businessmen and software developers in storing and manipulating important information. Today, the DBMS has special features that would allow users to effectively store, manipulate and share codes and procedures without any complexity.

Here are the special features of the DBMS:

The ability to process queries. The term “querying” is the method of accessing information from different locations or programs. For instance, if a user wants to gather data on the status of his business, he can use the query language that will allow him to have access on the database, and in the same way; the database system analyzes the data and revise it in accordance with the user’s privileges.
The ability to backup and replicate files. It is important to create a backup source of files in case there’s any equipment failure. The DBMS provides the amenities to extract and share the attributes set. The data is then copied to two database servers so that the information remains consistent in the system.
The ability to establish rules on attributes. If a user wants his attributes or information to become reliable, then the DBMS will allow you to place a rule on your attributes. For instance, you only want each mobile phone network to only provide one particular unit model associated with them. If another user wants to change the facts, then the DBMS will deny the access. However, the DBMS also allows users to modify the rules on the attributes.
The ability to secure the attributes. Often, users would only want to put a limit on who can see and manage their attributes. The DMBS allows users to place a security on their attributes so that only a number of reliable people may have access to the attributes.
The ability to compute the attributes. Common computations like sorting and grouping are required for most attributes. That’s why users depend on the DBMS to help them on such calculations.

Share This Now!

Related Posts:

What is Database Monitoring?

What is ODBC or Open Data Base Connectivity?

What is a DBA or Database Administrator?

What is a Database Transaction?

What is an Embedded Database?

Posted in DBMS, Scripts | | 0 Comments

What is a Distributed Database?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

One of the exemplary models of database management systems is the distributed database. Distributed database is the database that is under the command of a central database management system in which certain storage tools are not installed in a single CPU. The distributed database is installed in multiple computers located in the same location or these computers are located in different locations but under interconnected computers. In a distributed database, data are shared through partition fragments, and these fragments can be produced. Moreover, distributed database have proven to be very significant to businesses. With the use of fragmentation and replications, users will be able to secure pertinent data without compromising other applications.

How is Distributed Database Used?

Distributed database is utilized or shared in two ways. Users can use them in local applications or in global applications. When users are utilizing local applications, the database will not require any information or data from other sites. On the other hand, users who are using the global applications will require information from other sites.

When using the distributed database, users must provide utmost care to ensure transparency of transaction and distribution. Whenever distribution across databases is used, users must have the opportunity to view and access these important data. Moreover, each transaction must have transparency across databases.

Distributed Database

Advantages and Disadvantages of Distributed Database

Distributed database have provided significant benefits to its users, but nonetheless, it also has its drawbacks that the user has to consider.

Here are the advantages of distributed database:

Shows organizational structure of data. With the use of the distributed database, users will have access to database fragments, which are essentially located in one central database.
Independent function. By using the distributed database, users are allowed to segregate common data and manipulate them without compromising the other applications.
Great availability. The users will be allowed to manipulate other parts of the system if in case a certain portion of the system declines it. A problem in one database will not affect the entire database, but only a fragment of it.
High-quality performance. With the use of the distributed database, extraction, manipulation as well as storage will definitely be more effective and more efficient. Moreover, users will have the convenience of locating and retrieving the data form the greatest part of the system. Distributed database will create the balance among data servers.
Cost-efficient. By using the distributed database, users, especially businessmen, will gain more and experience the best services while, at the same time, spend less. Distributed database is cost-efficient because users can use a network of small computers with only a single database.

Here are the Disadvantages of Distributed Database:

Complicated. Since the distributed database requires the transparency of data, the database management system will require extra work to strictly follow this rule. Because of the number of small computers to be maintained, the database system will need extra work and energy.
Security. Since other remote sites are not centralized, data fragments are at risk for fraud. That’s why data fragments as well as remote sites should be secured appropriately.
Lack of values. There are still insufficient tools available in the market to convert a central database system to a distributed database.

Share This Now!

Related Posts:

IBM DB2 Database

Posted in Architecture, Performance | | 0 Comments

What is Database Integration?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

Today, we are now evolving into the world of more advanced technology. Many people in the line of business, education, medicine and other fields have taken on a new journey to make their jobs done more effectively and efficiently. The database is, by far, one of the best innovations made by man, but despite these advances in information technology, many users are still insatiable and would look for more ways to improve how things are usually done. That’s why database integration was conceptualized. With the use of database integration, users will have ample time for storing, extracting and manipulating data from one database application to another.

Database Integration

All about Database Integration

Database integration is the newest innovation to make filing of significant data easier. The concept of database integration implies the capacity of database software to access relational and non-relational data from one application to another. With the use of the integration of databases, users will be allowed to transfer information from one application to another faster and more efficiently. In the database management system, the access of data is in the form of query, but today, most developers use active tools, and but by using database integration, users can store data from multiple applications as well as integration across databases.

If you’re planning to use the database integration, you need to have a schema. This schema takes all the applications of the client into a single system. The result of the integration may be general or complex. In database integration, the system is controlled by a separate tool, while the changes in the database are negotiated by the database controller and the various applications used.

Because of database integration, users will not have to give extra effort and time just to access different applications. Users can instantly share files without adding an extra layer of services for applications. With the use of the database integration, all data will be synchronized.

Factors Involved in Honing Database Integration

Because database integration aims to enable users to gain access through the World Wide Web, they must have these important factors.

Database integration developers should strictly maintain integrity and quality of data. Developers use quality assurance tools to make database integration more efficient. Developers will be using authority tables and measure the level of precision of each data.

Database developers should also have flexibility, and what do you mean by flexibility? This means that database developers should have the ability to standardize and operate one application to another through the use of interchange standards. With the use of database integration, the user will have the ability to manipulate data through the integration of the database management system and other significant management tools as well as analytical, visualization and modeling tools. Database integration also allows users to utilize data structures that are compatible to current applications. Furthermore, database developers should also have the ability to modify data management through researches and management queries.

Database integration is, indeed, one of the most useful innovations provided by technology, so developers should maximize its potentials. Soon, this concept will become a part of every software application.

Share This Now!

Related Posts:

What is Data Integration?

What are Database Applications?

Posted in Architecture, General | | 0 Comments

What is Database Design?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

In simple terms, a database is your electronic data filing system that keeps all the records of your documents and files and helps you organize them as well for future use. A database is important in that it creates an organized system of keeping all your information in a single or multiple file which you can easily access whenever you need them.

However, there’s a lot more to consider than just deciding to get a program to manage your database system for you. You database design will determine whether your database system will work for your benefit or not. Nonetheless, there’s no need to be scared of the whole prospect of getting your database organized with all this talk of database designs and programs.

Understanding how it works is really very simple, and knowing what you really need will tremendously help in determining what kind of database design is right for you.

The Right Database Design

If you’re unsure about this one, you can always get the help of a database manager to work on your data filing system. But whether you’re planning to design your own or get someone else to do it for you, it will help if you know what you’re dealing with.

In a word, your database design should meet your requirements in such a way that your work will be made easier. You can easily access it, add data, remove data and simply manipulate it without breaking a sweat.

If you’re only looking at a single file database, you may want to try designing your own database. This way, you will know how it works inside and out. If you’re familiar with spreadsheets found in your usual office applications, then you can understand how a single file database works.

Database Design Cycle

While you may be wondering why you should opt for a database system when, in fact, a spreadsheet already works for you, a database can do more for you. A database system can work on multiple data entries with one command. This alone cuts your workload by more than fifty percent.

Keys and Values

The way your database program works is through a combination of keys and values that you will input which, when typed, will give you the exact item that you want, based on your design.

Remember that these keys and values are very crucial in the output of your database and you may not always get the exact thing that you want on the first try, so what you can do is to perform a dry-run of what you’ve designed and key-in your commands.

Usually, the programs that you get to help you organize your files for single file databases already have templates and fixed programs for the tasks at hand. However, you can still create your own design according to your specifications. This way, you can modify and improve the design until you’re fully satisfied with it. The thing to remember with databases is that, when you breakdown your data into several categories, the design almost always becomes more accurate and easier to manipulate.

Share This Now!

Related Posts:

Database Architecture

What are Database Forms?

What is a Database Migration?

What is a DBA or Database Administrator?

What is a Microsoft Access Database?

Posted in Architecture, General | | 0 Comments

What is a PostgreSQL Database?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

PostgreSQL is primarily an object-relational database management system that was launched under BSD-style license. Thus, PostgreSQL is free software. It is then managed by several companies and is taken into global heights.

History of the PostgreSQL Database

PostgreSQL was developed after the Ingres project at the University of California in 1985. Its developer, Michael Stoneback, planned to commercialize the Ingres. After some time, he came back and started on the post Ingres project. The post Ingres project was conceptualized because of the problem on database management system that was apparently vivid during the 1980s. Thus, Postgre was born. Postgres was made to add new features to increase compatibility to types of database management system. Some of the features of the Postgre include the ability to identify and define relationships. The Postgre can also form connections with other related tables without affecting the other files and other databases. In 1986, the Postgre publications were released, and there were several revisions of the Postgre that lasted until 1993. The last revision, which was the 4th version, was the clean-up project. In 1993, the project ended. Since the Postgre was registered under the BSD license, then open-support developers have the privilege to manipulate and make necessary improvements to the program. In 1994, the Postgre was integrated to the query statement, SQL. Thus, it was named Postgres95. In 1996, Postgre95 was renamed PostgreSQL. With the BSD license, the PostgreSQL continues to undergo significant improvements. PostgreSQL is open to commercial developers, vendors, support companies and program developers.

Advantages of the PostgreSQL Database

PostgreSQL database is significantly useful to commercial database vendors, support companies and program developers at large. Deployment is definitely an issue encountered by database vendors. They consider this as their number one licensing compliance problem. But since PostgreSQL is free database software, then issues on compliance don’t matter at all. There is no licensing cost, and no one will sue you for breaking any licensing agreement. With the use of the PostgreSQL database, users can make more profitable business models, can actively participate in researches, and no chances of getting audited. PostgreSQL database also has a better support system than other databases. Users can relate to professionals as well as other support groups for advices or improvement of your programs. With the use of the PostgreSQL database, users can make remarkable savings, especially on staff employment. The PostgreSQL database is designed to have lower maintenances than other databases. This software is also reliable and stable. PostgreSQL has been said that it does not crash that easily, and this only proves that this software can last and protect your important files for a long period of time. PostgreSQL database is also extensible, which means that users can easily have access to the software and make the necessary changes without any additional charges. This software is also compatible with any platform, which includes every brand of UNIX and Microsoft. Moreover, PostgreSQL database is relatively useful for large volume environment, and it also comes with administrative tools as well as GUI tools for open source and commercial vendors.

Share This Now!

Related Posts:

No related posts

Posted in DBMS, PostgreSQL | | 0 Comments

What is a MySQL Database?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

MySQL is one of the well-known relational database systems. It is owned by a Swedish company called MySQL AB, which became a subsidiary of Sun Microsystems in 2008, recently acquired by Oracle. It is widely used in web applications and also acts as a database component. It is commonly used for open source bug tracking tools such as Bugzilla. MySQL became well known due to the popularity of PHP and Ruby on Rails, which were often combined with it. High-traffic websites such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia and Nokia use it for data storage. It works on a variety of system platform such as Mac OS, Linux, Windows XP, Solaris and Symbian. Programmers can access its libraries which are available in different programming languages. They can use the command line tool included in the database. GUI administration tools can also be downloaded from the MySQL website. There are also free noncommercial tools that are available for use.

Two Variants of MySQL Database

MySQL has two variants: the MySQL Community Server and Enterprise Server, which shares a common code base and a host of features. This includes a cross platform support, cursors, triggers, stored procedures, independent storage engines, strict mode, updatable views, query caching, and partial Unicode support. Its distinguishing features that separate it from other relational database systems are multiple storage engines which allow the user to choose the most effective table for application, native storage systems, partner and community developed storage engines, custom storage engines and commit grouping. Starting with version 5.1, the product will be released with only one server package. A server binary will be included for debugging information. Unlike other RDBMS, MySQL was first released late in 1995. After three years, the version for windows was released. This followed a series of releases which featured developments. Version 4 had unions; version 4.1 had R and B-trees, prepared statements and subqueries, version 5 had cursors, triggers, views, XA transactions and stored procedures; and version 5.1 had an event scheduler, plugin API, server log tables, row-based replication and partitioning. Future releases of the product will include foreign key, additional Unicode characters, support for parallelization and new transactional storage engine called Falcon. These features will be included in the version 6 and 6.1. The MySQL server is a free software under the general public license and buyers have access to binaries through subscriptions. These binary updated include the latest bug fixes. Buyers of the MySQL enterprise are provided with support ranging from performance tuning to advice on system architecture. The main problem of the product nowadays is that it is prone to crashing. Wrong result bugs appear and take a long time to fix. The server also performs poorly with data warehousing.

Future of MySQL Database

MySQL has been widely used and known because it is a free software, and the company was able to address its issues when they released version 5. Nowadays, it is still popular with web applications and is still being developed for better efficiency. The database may not be as big as other competitors, but MySQL has remained popular due to its accessibility. Let’s what Oracle is up to now…

Share This Now!