SEMESTER 2 SESI 2015/2016

SEKOLAH

: FAKULTI KOMPUTERAN DAN INFORMATIK

KOD KURSUS

: IE31603

TAJUK KURSUS

: DISTRIBUTED DATABASE SYSTEM

Prepared For :
Miss DG.SENANDONG AJOR

Prepared By :
HELEN KIU CHAI CHING
BI13110060

1.

Explain what is meant by a DDBMS and discuss the motivation in providing such a system.

Answer:
In the book by M. Tamer Ozsu & Patrick Valduriez , it stated that the DDBMS is a distributed database
management system (distributed DBMS) is then defined as the software system that permits the
management of the distributed database and makes the distribution transparent to the
users.A DDBMS consists of a single logical database that is split into number of fragments. Each frag
ment is stored on one or more computers under the control of a separate DBMS, with the compute
r connected by a communications network. Each site is capable of independently processing user re
quests that require access to local data (that is, each site has some degree of local autonomy) and is
also capable of processing data stored on other computers in the network.The motivation in provid
ing DDBMS is the desire to integrate the operational data of an organization and to provide controll
ed access to the data. Although integration and controlled access may imply centralization, this is n
ot the intention. In fact, the development of computer networks promotes a decentralized mode of
work. This decentralized approach mirrors the organizational structure of many companies, which
are logically distributed into divisions, departments, projects, and physically distributed into offices,
plants, factories, where each unit maintains its own operational data. The sharebility of the data an
d the efficiency of data access should be improved by the development of a distributed database sy
stem that reflects this organizational structure, makes the data in all units accessible, and stores dat
a proximate to the location where it is most frequently used.

2.

What additional functions does a DDBMS have over a centralized DBMS?

Answer :
The DDBMS must does have following functions over a centralized DBMS :
Keeping track of data: the ability to keep track of the data distribution, fragmentation, and
replication
Distributed query processing: the ability to access remote sites via a communication
network
Distributed transaction management: the ability to execute transactions that access data
from many sites
Replicated data management: the ability to decide which copy of a replicated data to
access and maintain the consistency of copies of replicated data items
Distributed database recovery: the ability to recover from individual site crashes (or
communication failure)
Security: proper management of the security of the data and the authorization/access
privileges of users
Distributed directory (catalog) management: design and policy issues for the placement of
directory

3.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a DDBMS.

Answer :
Advantages

Disadvantages
Data are located near

greatest demand site

Complexity of management
and control

Faster data access

Security

Faster data processing

Lack of standards

Growth facilitation

Increased storage

Improved communications

Reduced operating costs

User-friendly interface

Less danger of a single-point

failure

Processor independence

requirements

Increased training cost

4.

What is the difference between a homogeneous DDBMS and a heterogeneous DDBMS?

Answer :
Homogeneous DDBMS

Heterogeneous DDBMS

In homogeneous DDBMS, all sites use the

In heterogeneous DDBMS, all sites may run

same DBMS product.

different DBMS products.

Are aware of each other and agree to

Sites may not be aware of each other and

cooperate in processing user requests.

may provide only limited facilities for

cooperation in transaction processing

Each site surrenders part of its autonomy in

Difference in schema is a major problem for

terms of right to change schemas or

query processing

software
Difference in software is a major problem
for transaction processing

5.

Discuss what is meant by the following terms: degree of homogeneity of a DDBMS, degree of
local autonomy of a DDBMS, data independence, network transparency, fragmentation
transparency, replication tranparency.
Answer :
(a) Degree of homogeneity of DDBMS
Based on the degree of homogeneity of the DDBMS,the Homogeneous DDBMS is about all
servers (or individual local DBMSs) use identical software and all users (clients) use identical
software whereas the Heterogeneous DDBMS is about the servers and/or users may use different
software.
(b) degree of local autonomy of a DDBMS
Based on the degree of local autonomy of a DDBMS , If there is no provision for the local
site to function as a stand-alone DBMS, then the system has no local autonomy;
otherwise(e.g., direct access by local transactions to a server is permitted), the system has
some degree of local autonomy.
(c) data independence
Data independence is the idea that generated and stored data should be kept separate from
applications that use the data for computing and presentation. In many systems, data
independence is an innate function related to the multiple components of the system;
however, it is possible to keep data contained within a use application.
(d) network transparency
Network transparency is the process of sending or accessing data over a network in such a
way that the information is not visible to users communicating with a local or remote host,
system, network or software. It can provide remote data and computing resources to a local
user without providing intermediate network information.

(e) fragmentation transparency

Fragmentation is the highest level of distribution transparency. If fragmentation transparency
is provided by the DDBMS, then the user does not need to know that the data is fragmented,
As a result, database accesses are based on the global schema,. so the user does not need to
specify fragment names or data locations.
(f) replication tranparency.
Closely related to location transparency is replication transparency, which means that the user
is unaware of the replication of fragments. Replication transparency is implied' by location
transparency.