1. Databases Presented by Trisha Cummings

2. Some basics What do databases do Quite simply they keep track of things What’s in a database Data are what we call raw facts or data No processing has been done to them to give them meaning Information is the result of processing raw data to reveal its meaning.

3. In our current “information age” we need accurate, relevant and timely information. Such information is key to good decision making. Data are the foundation of information. Which is the bedrock to knowledge Or the body of facts and information about any specific subject.

4. Data constitute the building blocks of information Information is produced by processing data Information reveals the meaning of data Accurate, timely and relevant information is the key to good decision making Good decision making is the key to survival for organizations This requires Data Management which is simply the generation, storage and retrieval of data

5. Data management requires the use of a computer. A database is a shared, integrated computer structure that stores a collection of End user data – raw facts of interest to the end user Metadata – or data about data in which the end user data is integrated and managed

6. The Database Management System –DBMS serves as an intermediary between the user and the database. The data structure is stored as a collection of files and you get to them thru the DBMS The DBMS presents the end user with a single integrate view of the data in the database. Its hides the databases complexity from users

7. A DBMS advantages Improved data sharing Improved data security Better data integration Minimized data inconsistency Improved data access – thru queries Requests to the DBMS for data manipulation Or Ad Hoc – spur of the moment queries Improved decision making Increased end user productivity

8. Kinds of databases Single User Multiuser Workgroup – smaller than 50 Enterprise – larger than 50 E-commerce Centralized – single site Distributed – several site

9. Operational database supports day to day operations – also called a transactional or production database Data warehouse – stores data to generate strategic or tactical decisions

10. Types of Databases The Flat Model Two dimensional The Hierarchical Model Set up in a tree structure The Network Model Records are stored with links to other records The Relational Model Most popular and a very powerful tool Not just for storing data but also for accessing it.

11. Database Design In order to have an effective, productive database – good design is “mission critical” Needs proper structure Proper relationships Appropriate constraints Design databaes from existing data New Information Systems

12. Relational Databases Is a database composed of related objects – primarily tables Allows for data to be broken down into smaller, logical, and manageable units One can still use a single query to retrieve data spread over multiple tables This is achieved thru keys.

13. DATABASE ADMINISTRATORS

14. What is this job like? The Internet and electronic commerce (e-commerce) generate lots of data. Computer databases that store information on customers, inventory, and projects are found in nearly every industry. Data must be stored, organized, and managed. Database administrators work with database software to find ways to do this. They identify user needs, set up computer databases, and test systems. They ensure that systems perform as they should and add people to the system as needed. Database administrators often plan security measures. Data integrity, backup, and security are critical parts of the job.

15. On a new system, you would work with an organization to: establish what the database is for, who will use it and which other systems it will link to, for example telephony plan its structure, showing how to organize the data (the 'back end' design), and how to find and display the information ('front end' usability) build a test version and check the results to iron out technical problems, known as bugs fill (populate) the database with new information or transfer existing data into it draw up plans for updating information, creating back-up copies, reporting errors and putting in security measures.

16. What qualifications and experience will employers look for? For most DBA jobs, you would need to know how to use structured query language (SQL) along with database management systems (DBMS), which include: RDBMS (relational database management systems) OODBMS (object-oriented database management systems) XML database management systems. There are different ways to gain this knowledge but employers often look for previous experience in computing. This would normally be in the form of an IT support, programming or web development background.

17. Duties: The DBA must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment. Develop data model describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template or computer software. Develop standards and guidelines to guide the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information. Establish standards, criteria, and guidelines with respect to design implementation, testing and use of data for an office or department. Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.

18. Plan, coordinate and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure. Examine and recommend for approval, procedures in database management system manuals for making changes to database. Examine and recommend for approval, project requests describing database user needs to estimate time and cost required to accomplish project. Review workflow charts developed by programmer analyst to understand tasks computer will perform, such as updating records. Select and enter codes to monitor database performance and to create production database. Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.

19. Test programs or databases, correct errors and make necessary modifications. Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system or direct others in coding descriptions. Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases. Develop methods for integrating different products so they work properly together, such as customizing commercial databases to fit specific needs. Identify and evaluate industry trends in database systems to serve as a source of information and advice for upper management.

20. Maintain and revise data dictionary. Train users and answer questions. Help users with problems. Work as part of a project team to coordinate database development and determine project scope and limitations.

21. You may have extra duties like supervising technical support staff, training users and producing performance reports for IT managers. In a senior position you would normally be responsible for strategic planning, information policy, budgets and managing client relationships. Other IT professionals like analysts, programmers and IT project managers, would normally work closely with you on projects.

22. Educational needs Associate in Arts in Information Systems Major Component CIS 110 Computer Programming DesignComputer Programming Design CIS 111Introduction to Relational Database Management SystemsIntroduction to Relational Database Management Systems CIS 155UNIX Operating SystemUNIX Operating System CIS 175Introduction to NetworkingIntroduction to Networking CIS 210Systems Analysis and DevelopmentSystems Analysis and Development CIS 212System Modeling TheorySystem Modeling Theory CIS 219Database Management SystemsDatabase Management Systems CIS 222Computer EthicsComputer Ethics CIS 242C++ ProgrammingC++ Programming CIS 276SQL ProgrammingSQL Programming CIS 209Web Page Development IWeb Page Development I

23. Bachelors' Degree – all of the AS courses plus a Concentration in: Database Management CIS 276SQL ProgrammingSQL Programming CIS 305PL/SQL ProgrammingPL/SQL Programming CIS 434Database Fundamentals IDatabase Fundamentals I CIS 444Database Fundamental IIDatabase Fundamental II CIS 474Data WarehousingData Warehousing CIS 499Senior Seminar in Computer Information SystemsSenior Seminar in Computer Information Systems

24. Software development companies also offer database certification programs. Examples include: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) Sybase Adaptive Enterprise Server (Developer and Administrator pathways) Oracle PL/SQL Developer, and 9i and 10g Administrator (Associate, Professional and Master levels) IBM DB2 and Informix certification.

25. Resources http://portal.cuny.edu/cms/id/cuny/documents/jobposting/023097. htm http://portal.cuny.edu/cms/id/cuny/documents/jobposting/023097. htm http://www.bls.gov/k12/computers01.htm http://www.learndirect- advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile779/ http://www.learndirect- advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile779/ Database Processing – Fundamentals, Design, and Implementation by David M Kroenke – 10 th edition ©2006, published by Pearson Prentice Hall. Teach yourself SQL in 24 hours –by Ronald R Plew and Ryan K. Stephens - 3 rd edition - published by SAMS Database Systems – Design, Implementation and Management – Peter Rob and Carlos Coronel – 8 th edition – Thomson Course Technology http://www.strayer.edu/campus_catalog/VA/all/alexandria/informat ion_systems/associate_in_arts_in_information_systems http://www.strayer.edu/campus_catalog/VA/all/alexandria/informat ion_systems/associate_in_arts_in_information_systems http://www.strayer.edu/campus_catalog/VA/all/alexandria/informat ion_systems/BSIS