Running head: Database Memorandum

Database Memorandum Jeremy Turner CIS/310 September 19th, 2011 Don Walker

Running head: Database Memorandum

MEMORANDUM DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: September 19th, 2011 Management Jeremy Turner Database

On September 12th, it was brought to my attention that the agency was in need of a database application that will fit their various needs. During this debriefing, I was asked to look into potential database applications that can not only satisfy your needs now, but will be able to continue growing as the agency expands and reaches new heights. One of the main issues in the agency deals with the lack of uniformity each department is with another. Instead of each department sharing the data with other departments, much of the same type of data is collected from other departments. This has often resulted in duplicate data entered as well as many company hours wasted. You have asked that I look for a very stable, user-friendly, cost effective database. I have done extensive research on potential databases for the agency and my findings are listed below along with my recommendation. Microsoft Access w/ Microsoft SQL Server Access is one of the database programs that come with the Professional and Enterprise editions of Microsoft Office. The program uses Microsofts Jet Database Engine and is supported by Visual Basic to insure compatibility among other databases. Microsoft Access is used as a program referred to as a front end program. Front end programs such as Access are used in the foreground to access information by the user, but are controlled by other database engines such as Microsoft SQL Server. When coupled with Microsoft SQL Server, the database is very secure and delivers increased

Running head: Database Memorandum

performance. Microsoft Access database can also import and export data to other database/program formats such as FoxPro, SQL Server, MS Excel, and Outlook. The program was designed to store up to 2GB of database information, as well as up to 25 simultaneous user connections into the database. The latest release date and product version was in 2010 (ver. 14).

IBM DB2 DB2 is perhaps one of the oldest database programs (developed in 1983) and has an extensive history. It uses a UNIX type interface, but is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux/Unix operating systems. Just like Microsoft SQL Server, IBMs DB2 can also serve as the back end program and can utilize Microsoft Access as the front end program. DB2 can support up to a 512 terabyte database size. One of the highlight features of DB2 is its ability to handle errors. The built in error processing feature uses a system of SQL return codes and values. The latest release date and product version was on 4/22/2009 (ver. 9.7).

Oracle Oracle, which stands for object-relational database management system, was developed in 1977 also qualifying it to be one of the oldest database programs. Oracle is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, IBM, and Sun Solaris computers. Just like

Running head: Database Memorandum

IBMs DB2, Oracle offers compatibility with SQL functions. A few of the database features include iSQL Plus (web-browser based GUI) as well as a Recovery Manager which is used for database recovery, backup, and recovery. Oracle has no size restriction on the database size and a 4GB cap on the table sizes. The latest release date and product version was 9/2009 (ver. 11G R2). Of the three databases mentioned above, I believe the agency would greatly benefit from the Microsoft SQL Server w/ Microsoft Access. The main reason for my selection of this database program is based on the needs of the organization. While the other two databases offered a much high number in maximum database size, the agency currently utilizes many other Microsoft Office products such as Outlook, Lync, and Sharepoint. Another observation I made was that one of the departments currently use Microsoft SQL to power their database. It would be in the best interest of the company to continue to keep as many programs consistent with the current infrastructure as possible to insure maximum compatibility.