The first unbiased introduction to the newest and most promising database technologies--systems that manipulate "object". The book examines the nature and benefits of these new-generatio systems, compares them with conventional systems, and shows the range of new applications they make possible.
This title is now out of print This revised introduction to object-oriented and extended relational database systems incorporates significant developments in the field since the first edition was published. As before, the book objectively examines the nature and benefits of these systems, compares them with conventional systems, and shows the range of applications they now make possible. With database technology and its uses developing so rapidly, it is not surprising that additional and updated information is required just two years after the book's initial and well-received publication.
A key motivation for this revision is the need for database designers and users to understand important developments in object data management standards. When this book was first published, the lack of standards was a critical obstacle to widespread acceptance of the technology. In response to the advances made on the ODMG-93 standard (by a committee chaired by the author), as well as the SQL3 standard, a chapter has been added to the book that describes the new standards and explains their significance.
One of the most significant features of the first edition was an appendix covering available products and prototypes. This appendix, expanded and updated here, offers an excellent single resource for people needing to know what systems are currently available. Major systems are now covered more extensively.
The author has taken the opportunity to make improvements throughout the book. Recent work in a number of areas is described. New figures and examples have been created, and the notation in the data schema figures has been enhanced. The annotated bibliography has been expanded. Additions and clarifications appear in every chapter.
Since initial publication, a number of books has appeared with "object- oriented databases" in the title. Cattell's work, however, remains the most thorough and most balanced coverage of the new technology, and it is now the most current, as well. His book discusses a much wider range of database approaches, including extended relational systems and object-oriented systems. It also provides deeper insight into the implementation and architecture of these systems.
Any database system user interested in the latest technologies, particularly users with large amounts of complex data to manage, as well as students, designers, and implementors of such systems, will find this book packed with useful information.
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