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What is a Microsoft SQL Server Database?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

Microsoft SQL Server was developed by Microsoft in the year 2005. The Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system that has two main languages – the MS-SQL and T-SQL. The T-SQL or the Transact Structured Query Language is basically a tool that users can use to manage SQL servers.

Although there are many SQL servers available in the market, Microsoft SQL server has provided the best services that money can buy, but what is the significance of Microsoft SQL Server to developers, businesses and other fields.

Sql Server 2008 Management Studio

The Features of Microsoft SQL Server Database

The Microsoft SQL server has a protocol layer which implements the external interface of the SQL server. All the procedures done in the SQL server is transferred via the Microsoft format called the “Tabular Data Stream” or TDS. The TDS is primarily used to transfer data from the SQL server to the client.

The next feature most users would definitely enjoy is the capacity of the SQL server to store data. Although the main purpose of the SQL server is to store data, you should consider these primary types of applications that most SQL serves support. These three types include the Char (character strings), VarChar (Variable Character Language), and binary as well as text. The SQL server also allows users to store as well as extract and manipulate data from databases.

SQL server also supports buffer pages in order to reduce disc I/O. Any eight-kilobyte page can be considered as the buffer, and the SQL server allows users to manage the available buffers. These buffers are stored in a buffer cache, and the cache is managed by a “buffer manager”.

Moreover, SQL server is also used for major transactions as well as for logging. SQL server will ensure that any changes made inside the database, either complete or not, will not be removed from the system. With the use of these SQL servers, transactions will be ensured safe and secured. Furthermore, the SQL server will ensure that all data are maintained with integrity.

Another important factor to consider when using the Microsoft SQL server is its ability to allow multiple users to use the same database concurrently. With the use of the Microsoft SQL server, users will have access to confidential data without jeopardizing its integrity as well as transparency. Users can utilize locks to maintain the confidentiality of their data. With the use of the lock manager, sharing of data will not be allowed unless permitted by the owner. The lock manager will be responsible for all data released to other networks.

Other Tools Used in Microsoft SQL Server Database

One of the tools that come along with the Microsoft SQL Server is the SQLCMD. This is an application that reveals the management capabilities of the Microsoft SQL server. The SQLCMD allows users to input certain procedures in the command prompt. It can also be used for scripting languages, which is an essential part of a SQL server.

The Microsoft Visual Studio is also a supporting program of the Microsoft SQL server. It is used as a data designer as well as a debug code that is executed by the SQL CLR. Moreover, the Microsoft Server Management Studio acts as object explorer and script editors to maximize the potential of the SQL server.

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What is a Microsoft Access Database?

June 8th, 2009 by Shenron

Microsoft Office Access, also formerly known as Microsoft Access, is the newest addition to the software management tools provided by the Microsoft System last 2007. Microsoft Office Access is a combination of the Microsoft database engine system with software development tools as well as graphical user interface. Microsoft Office Access presents many productive tools to help software developers and architects build new and simple applications.

History of Microsoft Office Access

The first Microsoft Access was developed in November 1992, while the second version (version 1.1) was released in May 1993 with the promise of compatibility with other Microsoft programs. The third version of Microsoft Access, the version 2.0, was an improvement over the first two, but it requires a bigger memory space. For version 2.0, the minimum operating system should be at least 6 MB RAM with a backup memory of 8 MB, so 14 MB is the recommended space for the Microsoft Access version 2.0.

Access Logo

While this software had taken Microsoft into new heights, Microsoft Access at that time had experienced a major downfall. Since the operating systems at that time were not that reliable, incidences of data corruption were noted, so Microsoft Office Access underwent drastic changes to correct the mistake. With the phasing out of the Windows 95 and 98, the Microsoft Office Access has been enhanced.

The Features and Uses of Microsoft Office Access

The best thing about using the Microsoft Office Access is its reliability with other database programs. It has been designed in conformity with the SQL (structured query language). SQL are queries that can be viewed graphically in Access. These SQL statements can be developed in the Microsoft Office Access and can be used in Macros and VBA modules. The Macros and VBA modules are primarily used for developing programming forms and logics. Furthermore, Microsoft Office Access has compatibility with ADP files. ADP files include objects that emphasize forms, reports, procedures and tables.

The Microsoft Office Access is highly recommended to those who are in the professional applications development. Software developers can use Microsoft Office Access in creating prototypes for people who are always on-the-go like businessmen and salesmen. Microsoft Access also allows the use of the database on an area network by connecting the program to the Microsoft Terminal Services, which is the Internet access for Microsoft programs.

Microsoft Office Access is also used for architectural purposes. This program has a Microsoft SQL server that provides access to create all objects in the underlying server, and there are still plans to upgrade the Microsoft Office Access so as to make it more compatible with other significant servers.

Microsoft Office Access is also used for query development. All queries, tables and modules can be developed using the access program. Access uses a Query Design Grid, which is a graphical interface that allows users to create queries without asking the consent of the SQL programming. Moreover, Access allows users to manipulate SQL without any hassles.

The use of Microsoft Office Access will definitely create a more dependable environment for businesses.

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IBM DB2 Database

March 3rd, 2009 by Shenron

DB2 or database 2 is basically related to the relational database management system (RDBMS), which is part of the databases created by the IBM group. DB2 works by developing an access to a wide variety of databases or providing an open database environment for several computing platforms. In short, the DB2 database can make a significant change in the database management system. The DB2 database can create a single-user application and transform it to a multi-user system. Moreover, the DB2 database can be run using the SQL and it also include technical and management tools. With the use of the SQL, users can retrieve data from one database to the other at the same time.

IBM DB2 Database ibm db2

History of the IBM DB2 Database

The IBM DB2 database runs a long history. It has been considered as one of the first databases ever developed that uses the SQL (which was also developed by IBM). DB2 was first used as part of IBM’s MVS mainframe platform in 1983. But DB2 has its roots back in the early seventies. The DB2 was developed by Dr. Codd. In 1970, Dr. Codd has established the theory on data manipulation. He later on devised a model that would perfectly work for relational databases. He called this model, “Alpha”. The theory of Codd was not recognized by the IBM group and thus leaves the revisions to a set of programmers who happen to be violating some of the rules governing Codd’s model. The output was called Structured English Query Language or SEQUEL. When IBM’s first relational database model was released, they changed the name of the language to SQL.

For many years, IBM DB2 database has been commercialized and distributed to other database developing companies. In order to avoid paying unnecessary database features, IBM created different editions of the DB2.

All about IBM DB2 Database and Its Features

IBM DB2 database works in two ways. You can either use a command line or a GUI. A command line requires ample knowledge of the product but keep in mind that the product is automated as well as scripted. GUI, on the other hand, is a product of Java, which is a multi-platform for beginners. DB2 also uses the SQL and the XQuery. SQL or the Structured Query Language is the primary language used by the IBM DB2 database. If you’re going to use the XQuery, you’ll need to understand how the store XML data. You should store the XML data as XML and not as CLOB data to have a faster access of the XQuery.

IBM DB2 is written in C, C++, Java, Ruby, FORTRAN and other programming languages. Aside from these features, IBM DB2 database also has a very important feature and that is error processing. Primarily, the SQL communications area is included in the DB2 program, which works by returning the error of the application programs after the execution of SQL statements. If you’re going to use the DB2 database, you must remember the DB2 return codes, which include:

Zero “0″ means a successful execution.

A positive number, “+50″, means that the execution was successful and there are one or more warnings.

A negative number, “-50″, means that the execution was unsuccessful and there are significant errors.

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Posted in DBMS, IBM | | 1 Comments

What is an Object Oriented Database?

January 11th, 2009 by Shenron

Working with complex information in large volumes requires more than just pen and paper. If you’re company handles information that measures well into the terabyte region, you may want to rely on a database management system that can go side-by-side with the demand of your business, both in reliability and in efficiency. If you want to have that and more, you may want to look more into the Object Database Management System.

ODBMS Defined

Object Database Management System is a kind of system that models and creates data into objects for retrieval and processing purposes. It is a product of integrating an object database with object programming languages. Every object in an ODBMS has its independent function or role to perform. This allows ODBMS to run multiple applications and, at the same time, cut the time spent on retrieving information and doing other functions.

Think about this for a second. In a car manufacturing company, each person has his own role to play. One does the chassis, while other takes care of the bolts. Meaning, one person (an object) deals with one aspect, while another person (another object) deals with another issue. This allows the plant manager (the OBDMS) to put all the processes together faster because it is already processed independently. True, the plant manager can build the car on his own, i.e., he puts all the bolts and welds the chassis etc., but it would have cost him more time and definitely more resources. The same process is employed by the OBDMS, which saves time and resources for other purposes.

One of the main features of an OBDMS is the use of a different type of query language and the use of both declarative as well navigational query systems. This feature has been deemed useful in accessing data faster because data can be retrieved directly without the need for joins as opposed to the tabular form used in relational databases.

3D Graphic

ODBMS – Advantage and Disadvantages

There are certain benefits and disadvantages when one use the ODBMS technology. First off, using ODBMS is relatively simpler because you use and type less codes. This is because, unlike RDBMS which uses mostly SQL, ODBMS uses other programming languages like Java and C++. This means you don’t have to translate anything to sub-languages. Moreover, you can store complex data structures directly in an ODBMS without the hassles and the headaches that comes with translating complex data structures.

Another advantage of ODBMS compared to RDBMS is its speed. The programmer need not be terrorized by complex data because ODBMS allows users to use complex data directly off the disk. It is because, unlike RDBMS, data used in ODBMS is already in the format that programming languages like C++ and Java use. Depending on the complexity of the data structure you use, the omission of data translation from the system equation means less time spent on managing your system.

Of course, there are disadvantage to using ODBMS. First off, the system is completely different from RDBMS, and many programmers do not understand ODBMS. This means that it would cost you or your company more to train people to understand the system.

Another disadvantage is that more applications are built on existing RDBMS, which makes it hard if not impossible to move off to ODBMS. This could mean lesser interoperability that many take for granted with an RDBMS.

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