All of data processing is involved with the operations of storing and retrieving data. A database, such as Microsoft SQL Server, is designed as the central repository for all the data of an organization. The crucial nature of data to any organization underlines the importance of the method used to store it and enable its later retrieval.
Microsoft SQL Server uses features similar to those found in other databases and some features that are unique. Most of these additional features are made possible by SQL Server's tight integration with the Windows NT operating system. SQL Server contains the data storage options and the capability to store and process the same volume of data as a mainframe or minicomputer.
Like most mainframe or minicomputer databases, SQL Server is a database that has seen an evolution from its introduction in the mid-1960s until today. Microsoft's SQL Server is founded in the mature and powerful relational model, currently the preferred model for data storage and retrieval.
Unlike mainframe and minicomputer databases, a server database is accessed by users--called clients--from other computer systems rather than from input/output devices, such as terminals. Mechanisms must be in place for SQL Server to solve problems that arise from the access of data from perhaps hundreds of computer systems, each of which can process portions of the database independently from the data on the server. Within the framework of a client/server database, a server database also requires integration with communication components of the server in order to enable connections with client systems. Microsoft SQL Server's client/server connectivity uses the built-in network components of Windows NT.
Unlike a stand-alone PC database or a traditional mainframe or minicomputer database, a server database, such as Microsoft SQL Server, adds service-specific middleware components--such as Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)--on top of the network components. ODBC enables the interconnection of different client applications without requiring changes to the server database or other existing client applications.
SQL Server also contains many of the front-end tools of PC databases that traditionally haven't been available as part of either mainframe or minicomputer databases. In addition to using a dialect of Structured Query Language (SQL), GUI applications can be used for the storage, retrieval, and administration of the database.
Now, with the addition of new database-aware components, you can also use your SQL Server with your Internet-based applications. Tools such as the Internet Database Connector, or IDC, and the Advanced Data Connector, or ADC, are available that will help you integrate SQL Server database information into your Web pages. Depending on the tool or approach you select, you'll have access that ranges from static Web pages to dynamic, Visual Basic-enhanced Web pages. These exciting tools are making Web-based applications a reality.
Microsoft SQL Server uses features similar to those found in other databases and some features that are unique. Most of these additional features are made possible by SQL Server's tight integration with the Windows NT operating system. SQL Server contains the data storage options and the capability to store and process the same volume of data as a mainframe or minicomputer.
Like most mainframe or minicomputer databases, SQL Server is a database that has seen an evolution from its introduction in the mid-1960s until today. Microsoft's SQL Server is founded in the mature and powerful relational model, currently the preferred model for data storage and retrieval.
Unlike mainframe and minicomputer databases, a server database is accessed by users--called clients--from other computer systems rather than from input/output devices, such as terminals. Mechanisms must be in place for SQL Server to solve problems that arise from the access of data from perhaps hundreds of computer systems, each of which can process portions of the database independently from the data on the server. Within the framework of a client/server database, a server database also requires integration with communication components of the server in order to enable connections with client systems. Microsoft SQL Server's client/server connectivity uses the built-in network components of Windows NT.
Unlike a stand-alone PC database or a traditional mainframe or minicomputer database, a server database, such as Microsoft SQL Server, adds service-specific middleware components--such as Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)--on top of the network components. ODBC enables the interconnection of different client applications without requiring changes to the server database or other existing client applications.
SQL Server also contains many of the front-end tools of PC databases that traditionally haven't been available as part of either mainframe or minicomputer databases. In addition to using a dialect of Structured Query Language (SQL), GUI applications can be used for the storage, retrieval, and administration of the database.
Now, with the addition of new database-aware components, you can also use your SQL Server with your Internet-based applications. Tools such as the Internet Database Connector, or IDC, and the Advanced Data Connector, or ADC, are available that will help you integrate SQL Server database information into your Web pages. Depending on the tool or approach you select, you'll have access that ranges from static Web pages to dynamic, Visual Basic-enhanced Web pages. These exciting tools are making Web-based applications a reality.
