SECTION ONE 1.0 Introduction What is a distributed database?

A distributed database (DDB) is a collection of multiple, logically interrelated databases distributed over a computer network. It is a database in which storage devices are not attached to a common CPU. It can also be referred to as a logically interrelated collection of shared data (and a description of this data), physically distributed over a computer network. It may be stored in multiple computers located in the same physical located in the same physical location, or may be dispersed over a network of interconnected computers. Distributed data is defined as the collection of logically distributed database which are connected with each other through a network. Collection of data (e.g in a database) can be distributed across multiple physical locations. A distributed database can reside on network servers on the internet, on corporate intranets or extranets, or on other company networks.

A distributed database management system (distributed DBMS) is the software system that permits the management of the distributed database and makes the distribution transparent to the users. The term distributed database system (DDBS) is typically used to refer to the combination of DDB and the distributed DBMS. Architecture of a Distributed Database System

Architecturally, a distributed database system consists of a (possibly empty) set of query sites and a non-empty set of data sites. The data sites have data storage capability while the query sites do not. The latter only run the user interface (in addition to applications) in order to facilitate data access at data sites.

History of Distributed Database System

Human beings began to store information very long ago. In the ancient times, elaborate database systems were developed by government offices, libraries, hospitals, and business organizations, and some of the basic principles of these systems are still being used today. Before the 1950s, data was stored as paper records. This method presented a lot of problem as lot of human power was involved and lots of time was wasted when searching. This method was therefore inefficient. Revolution of database began in the early 1960s. Computerized database system started in the 1960s, when the use of computers became a more cost-effective option for private organizations. At this period, data was not stored on disk. Information was maintained on a flat file. There were alot of limitation following these. Some of which were separation and isolation: Each program at that time maintained its own set of data and this made it difficult for users of one program to be aware of other programs, Duplication, high maintenance cost, Weak security e.t.c Database technology experienced rapid growth in the 1970s. Relational databases were created. They became a commercial success as the rapid increase in computer sales boosted the database market, and this caused a major decline in the popularity of network and hierarchical database models. DB2 became the flagship database product for IBM, and the introduction of the IBM PC resulted in the establishments of many new database companies and the development of products such as PARADOX, RBASE 5000, RIM, Dbase III and IV, OS/2 Database Manager, and Watcom SQL.

Early 1990s: After a database industry shakeout, most of the surviving companies sold complex database products at high prices. Around this time, new client tools for application development were released, and these included the Oracle Developer, PowerBuilder, VB, and others. A number of tools for personal productivity, such as ODBC and Excel/Access, were also developed. Prototypes for Object Database Management Systems, or ODBMS, were created in the early 1990s. Mid 1990s: The advent of the Internet led to exponential growth of the database industry. Average desktop users began to use client-server database systems to access computer systems that contained legacy data. Late 1990s: Increased investment in online businesses resulted in a rise in demand for Internet database connectors, such as Front Page, Active Server Pages, Java Servelets, Dream Weaver, ColdFusion, Enterprise Java Beans, and Oracle Developer 2000. The use of cgi, gcc, MySQL, Apache, and other systems brought open source solution to the Internet. With the increased use of point-of-sale technology, online transaction processing and online analytic processing began to come of age. 2000s: Although the Internet industry experienced a decline in the early 2000s, database applications continue to grow. New interactive applications were developed for PDAs, pointof-sale transactions, and consolidation of vendors. Presently, the three leading database companies in the western world are Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle. Advantages of dds

1:Incremental growth:Computing power can be added in small increments 2:Reliability:If one machine crashes, the system as a whole can still survive 3:Speed: A distributed system may have more total computing power than a mainframe 4:Open system: This is the most important point and themost characteristic point of a distributed system. Since it is an open system it is always ready to communicate with other systems. an open system that scales has an advantage over a perfectly closed and self-contained system.

Economic:ANd Microprocessors offer a better price/performance than mainframes

There are a number of advantages to using a distributed DBMS. These include the following: Capacity and incremental growth Reliability and availability Efficiency and flexibility Sharing

Capacity and growth An advantage of distributed databases is that as the organisation grows, new sites can be added with little or no upheaval to the DBMS. Compare this to the situation in a centralised system, where growth entails upgrading with changes in hardware and software that effect the entire database.

Reliability and availability

An advantage of distributed databases is that even when a portion of a system (i.e. A local site) is down, the overall system remains available. With replicated data, the failure of one site still allows access to the replicated copy of the data from another site. The remaining sites continue to function. The greater accessibility enhances the reliability of the system.

Efficiency and flexibility An advantage of distributed databases is that data is physically stored close to the anticipated point of use. Hence if usage patterns change then data can be dynamically moved or replicated to where it is most needed.

Distributed database sharing An advantage of distributed databases is that users at a given site are able to access data stored at other sites and at the same time retain control over the data at their own site. Women's Polytechnique College Siddhi,Mayuree,Deepshikha

Disavantages :As i previously told you distributed systems will have an inherent security issue. 2:Networking:If the network gets saturated then problems with transmission will surface. 3:Software:There is currently very little less software support for Distributed system. 4:Troubleshooting:Troubleshooting and diagnosing problems in a distributed system can also become more difficult, because the analysis may require connecting to remote nodes or inspecting communication between nodes.