DBMS architectures

DBMS are based on different database models. The structure of the database is described by several rules and concepts illustrated by a data model. The most common database models are:

-Network model and hierarchical model: build upon data sets and express hierarchical or network-like structures for the data

-Relational model: defines the database as a collection of inter-related tables which contain all the data

-Other less used models include the object oriented model and the object- relational model.

When designing a database model, the creator must differentiate between two different level of abstraction, and their respective schemes: the logical data scheme and the conceptual data scheme. A conceptual data scheme is independant from the database itself and the computer system used. The logical data scheme describes the data in the Data Definiton Language (DDL) of the respective DBMS.

Two additional schemes need to be taken into consideration in order to explain the architecture of database systems:

- the external scheme describes the types of users that can access the data (individual or group users) and specifies certain constraints related to this subject.

- the internal scheme describes the content of the data and the way to maintain the functionality of the DBMS. Below there is an illustration of the 3-Scheme-Architecture:

Here are 3 examples of DBMS software:
1) FileMaker Pro 10- used for streamlined navigation, beter workflow and saving time
2) STACS- used for serial control
3)BIOCore- integrated molecular dynamics simulation and visualization into the internet for for long distance collaborations in the field of structural biology

Sources:
1) Information Systems Today, by Jessup, Balacich and Wade, 2nd. ed.
2)http://www.gitta.info/DBSysConcept/en/html/DBMSArchitec_learningObject1.html
3)http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=7624533
4)http://www.filemaker.com/index.html
5)http://www.ks.uiuc.edu/Development/biosoftdb/biosoft.cgi?&category=9