Classification of Database Management Systems
Database Management Systems (DBMS) can be classified based on several distinct criteria. The following outlines the primary classifications:
1. Based on Data Models
DBMS platforms are often grouped according to the underlying data model they implement. Common data models include:
-
Relational Model – This is by far the most widely adopted model today. Data is structured in tables (relations), and popular relational DBMS platforms include Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, DB2, and MySQL.
-
Hierarchical and Network Models – These older models organize data in tree-like or graph-based structures but are less commonly used in modern systems.
-
Object-Oriented Model – Emerging in more recent years, this model allows data to be stored in the form of objects, similar to those used in object-oriented programming. Unlike the tabular structure of relational models, object-oriented databases (OODBMS) manage data as complex objects with attributes and behaviors. While this model introduced innovative capabilities, it has not achieved widespread adoption. Examples include 02, ObjectStore, and Jasmine.
2. Based on Number of Users
Another way to categorize DBMS is by the number of users they support:
-
Single-User Systems – These are designed for one user at a time, typically used in personal desktop applications.
-
Multi-User Systems – These support simultaneous access by multiple users, making them suitable for enterprise environments where concurrent operations are essential.
3. Based on Distribution Architecture
DBMS can also be classified by how data and software are distributed across systems:
-
Centralized Systems – All data is housed on a single, central server, accessed by various client systems.
-
Distributed Systems – Both the database and the DBMS software are distributed across multiple servers connected via a network.
-
Homogeneous Distributed Systems – All nodes run the same DBMS software, which allows for seamless data exchange and integration.
-
Heterogeneous Distributed Systems – These systems may use different DBMS software on different nodes. To enable interoperability, middleware is often used to facilitate data exchange between heterogeneous platforms.
-
No comments:
Post a Comment