Business data is critical. Data must be safe, secure, and usable. Database systems provide reliable storage and access by pairing a specialized file system with a management system.
The management system allows both administration of the database and access to the data through a specialized programming language or an application program interface (API). By far, the most popular database language is Structured Query Language (SQL).
Data modeling
This is a concept from UML. Data modeling attempts to represent real data and business processes in entity/relationship diagrams. Often, the entity relationships are represented in USE/CASE diagrams that examine various scenarios (cases) and shows how entities are used. Data modeling is extremely important to most phases of a project.
Data modeling is used to create database schemas. In an abstract sense, a data model can be mapped to a corresponding relational database schema.
Relational Database
This is a structure that is used for storage and retrieval of data. The primary goals of a database are to properly represent and preserve the integrity of the data through relationships. Relational integrity is enforced by rules in the form of checks, constraints, and assertions.
The structures and relationships are contained in metadata called the database schema. Proper relational integrity is achieved through a process called normalization. Data is stored in tables with like types in the same table. Unique identifiers called keys are used to identify individual data members. Foreign keys are used to define relationships between tables.
Relational Database Design
At a high level, relational database design is done by creating an accurate data model and implementing it as a schema. Of course, the data is as complex as the business, so this is not always a trivial task.
This is a task where understanding the data is essential, so business analysts must work very closely with database administrators.
Data is the essence of any information management system. Data management systems must provide facilities for storing, retrieving, and calculating data, plus database administration.
Also, data technologies must provide secure and reliable transactions. Database programming languages must be powerful and versatile. Choosing the correct architectures, schemas, and technologies requires full understanding of all facets.
Data Stage
Informatica
AbInitio
Business Objects
Cognos
Micro Strategy
Structured Query Language (SQL)
SQL is a database programming language used for data access, data manipulation, and general administration. SQL is implemented in most databases including Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle Database.
T-SQL is the transactional SQL implemented in Microsoft SQL Server and is used for virtually all data and administrative functions. Stored procedures, triggers, and other programs are created in T-SQL.
