DATABASES IN A

DISTRIBUTED
ENVIRONMENT

DATABASES IN A DISTRIBUTED
ENVIRONMENT

The databases can be centralized

or they can be distributed.
Distributed databases fall into two
categories:
partitioned databases
replicated databases

Centralized Databases

involves retaining the data in a central

location.
A fundamental objective of the database
approach is to maintain data currency.

Data Currency in a DDP Environment

During data processing, account

balances pass through a state of
temporary inconsistency where their
values are incorrectly stated. This occurs
during the execution of a transaction.

Data Currency in a DDP Environment

The AR-Control account value is

temporarily inconsistent by the sum of
$2,000. Only after the completion of the
entire transaction is this inconsistency
resolved.

Data Currency in a DDP Environment

To achieve data currency, simultaneous

access to individual data elements by
multiple IT units must be prevented. The
solution to this problem is to employ a
database lockout.

Database Lockout

software control (usually a function of

the DBMS) that prevents multiple
simultaneous accesses to data.

Distributed Databases
partitioned
replicated

The Partitioned Database Approach

splits the central database into segments or
partitions that are distributed to their
primary users
Advantages:

Having data stored at local sites increases

users control.
Transaction processing response time is
improved by permitting local access to data
and reducing the volume of data that must
be transmitted between IT units.
Partitioned databases can reduce the
potential effects of a disaster.

The Deadlock
Phenomenon

A deadlock is a permanent condition

that must be resolved by special
software that analyzes each deadlock
condition to determine the best solution.

Deadlock Resolution

Resolving a deadlock usually involves

terminating one or more transactions to
complete processing of the other
transactions in the deadlock.
The preempted transactions must then
be reinitiated.

Some of the factors that are

considered in Preempting
Transactions:

The resources currently invested in the

transaction.
The transactions stage of completion.
The number of deadlocks associated with
the transaction.