Abstract
This paper considers heterogenity, openness, scalability, security, concurrency, failure handling and transparency in distributed databases. It defines "distributed databases." The paper provides an analysis of its benefits and looks at productivity gains and security issues.

From the Paper
"As its name suggests a distributed database is a collection of data that is located in several different physical locations-that is distributed over several resources-while operating as a single logical database. This provides system managers the ability to distribute the database over multiple systems depending on system resources and to use either local or wide area networks to access the data. When this type of database configuration is used there are obviously many different factors that need to be taken into account ..."

Tags:distributed, databases

From the Paper
"Distributed databases have the ability to be divided so that pieces of the databases can be physically located closest to where the data will be used. This enables companies to move from single-site databases built around mainframes to a network of locally placed but globally accessible databases which may even be on different classes of computers. This research examines the rise of distributed databases, their advantages and disadvantages, the environment necessary for their implementation, and an examination of how they may be used in the near future.

Data processing has evolved through three stages since 1955: decentralized, centralized, and distributed. When computers were first introduced to business, they were used by autonomous business units for specialized purposes. Networking ... '

Abstract
This paper examines distributed database systems. The paper first defines a distributed database system and discusses how such a system works. The paper then looks at the advantages and disadvantages to this type of system. In addition, the paper discusses aspects such as economics, infrastructure, maintenance and the necessary management system to ensure its smooth use.

From the Paper
"It goes without saying that the transactions on the system must also be transparent, which is to say that each transaction must maintain database integrity across the entire system of multiple databases. Each transaction is divided into subtransactions, and thus each of the subtransactions will only affect the single database which it is accessing."
"There are advantages and disadvantages to this type of system and the decision to use such a distributed database is contingent upon several factors. When economics is considered, as it generally is, the cost of setup and operation of a series of small computers is less than the purchase and maintainance of one giant computer. Naturally when a series of smaller and separate databases are running, the downtime for one affects only that particular server, where with a single large computer, when it is down the entire system is down."

Tags:transactions, network, infrastructure

Abstract
This paper examines the concept of abstract authentication in federated database systems and the difficulties presented because the autonomously operated components may not know the identity of federation users. It looks at how one proposed solution is subject switching, where the federation translates the federated users identity to that of an agreed upon component subject and how this translation may be problematic due to not having component subjects with the same accesses requested by federation users. It proposes using proximity measures between requested and provided access and presents two policy neutral algorithms to find proximity minimizing matches between a federation subject and a collection of component subjects. It also explores the concepts relating to federated databases, authorization and access, and proposes some algorithms that will facilitate the subject switching method of reconciling access requirements.

Outline
Section 1
Abstract
Background
Introduction
Characteristics of Federated Databases
Homogeneous vs. Heterogeneous Databases
Agents
Agents and Meaning
Perspective
Types of Meaning
Semantics Versus Pragmatics
Context
Coverage of Communicative Acts
Mental Versus Social Agency
Section 2
Federated Database Systems and Autonomy
Design Autonomy
Communication Autonomy
Execution Autonomy
Association Autonomy
Authorization Autonomy
Distribution Transparency (i.e., Schema Integration)
Tightly Coupled
Limited Tight Coupling
Loosely Coupled
Federated Database Security
Authorization
Standards for Authentication
Decentralized vs. Centralized Authorization
Access Controls
User Based Access Control (UBAC)
Policy Based Access Control
Content Dependent Access Control (CDAC)
Context Based Access Control (CBAC)
View Based Access Control (VBAC)
Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
Role Based Access Control (RBAC)
Section 3
Subject Switching
Subject Mapping Algorithms
Mapping Process
Federation Mapping Process
Federation Identity
Component Mapping Process
Minimum Disparity Measure
Mapping Algorithm
Create Object Sets
Identify Component Subjects
Evaluate Matching Subjects
Access Disparity Measures
Numerical Disparity Measure
Comparing Disparity Measures to Approximate Measures
Approximate Disparity Measure Comparison
Motivating Example
Access Compatibility Measures and Algorithms
Compatibility of Permissions and their Disparity Measures
Cardinality
Express Specification
Section 4
Metrics
Algorithm 1 (Least Under Permitting Algorithm)
Algorithm 2 (Least Over Permitting Algorithm)
Approximations: Metrics And Mappings
Approximate Mapping Algorithms
Algorithm 3 (Approximate Under Permitting Algorithm)
Algorithm 4 (Approximate Over Permitting Algorithm)
Properties of Algorithms 3 and Algorithm 4
Multilevel Federations
Non-Protected Database
Axioms
Deductive Channels Control Theorems
Signalling Channels Control Theorems
Cover Story
Multi-view Databases
Languages
Section 5
Conclusions and Ongoing Work
References

From the Paper
"Heimbingner and McLeod coined the phrase Federated Database System in 1985, and Seth and Larson later confirmed the formal definition. While the term has been loosely used to refer to several different but related database systems, they more precisely and unanimously define it as a collection of cooperating but autonomous component database systems. [SL90] (According to Oszu 1999, semi-autonomous systems are termed federative DBMS). A federated database system represents a compromise between no integration, wherein users must explicitly interface with multiple autonomous databases, and total integration, where the autonomy of each distinct database is sacrificed in order to allow users access through a single global interface."

Tags:abstract, authentication, authorization, autonomy

Abstract
This paper considers key factors regarding data warehousing. It looks at the goal of data warehousing and the differences of data warehousing and relational databases.

From the Paper
"Data warehousing is particularly popular in environments which have complex data requirements and a broad spectrum of data types contained in its database. The goal of data warehousing is to take full advantage of the power of hardware to contain large quantities of data and use the databases to manipulate that data. Although not yet implemented across all computing environments data warehousing is becoming popular as hardware becomes more powerful and cost effective..."

Tags:distributed data warehousing systems, data warehouses

Abstract
This paper explains that a distributed system consists of a number of independent processors, storage devices, and databases, ensuring two-way flow of information among them in order to achieve a common goal, such as the massive distributed system, the World Wide Web. The author points out that the operational failure of the distributed systems is attributed to many reasons, including the architectural design, which is needlessly complicated because the theoretical models are not capable of providing accurate results. The paper recommends that research on the performance-oriented operating systems must concentrate on the performance as a whole rather than merely contributing to the marginal development at the bottom stage of the distributed system.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Findings
Evaluation and Analysis
Conclusion
Recommendations

From the Paper
"The large distributed systems are developed and experimented in a much-reduced environment. Normally trial run is done to ensure its proper functioning in a miniature environment before its actual expansion to the larger production environment. Even if the reliable functioning is ensured quickly through this process, yet it never solves the accomplishment issues of the distributed system for a long period. This also neither ensures economical procurement of the hardware. Various accomplishment issues of the distributed system are grouped under several heads. Firstly, the users in an interactive environment are required to have quick responsiveness ensuring rapid and steady reply to the interactions. Secondly, the throughput indicating is the processing speed of the system should be compatible to the workload. Thirdly the quality of services of the distribution system should be matching to the needs of the users. Fourthly, balanced distribution of the computer loads involving inter-host mobility of the works."

Tags:whole, internet, failure, architecture, research

Abstract
The paper states that organizations depend on distributed information systems for discharging routine business needs. The paper then discusses their susceptibility to security compromises increases, although they achieve output and competence. The paper states that methods like electronic signatures and encryptions are presently accessible for safeguarding data at the time of its transmission. The paper further stresses the importance that a practically broad strategy for data protection should cover methods for putting in place access control policies which are dependent on subject qualifications.

Outline:
Introduction
Most Relevant Concepts Underlying the Notion of Database Security
and the Well Known Techniques
Current Challenges for Database Security and Some Preliminary
approaches that Address Some of Chese Challenges
Access Control Systems, and Description of the Key Access Control
Models, Namely, the Discretionary and Mandatory Access Control
Models, and the Role-based Access Control (RBAC) Model
Additional Recommendations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Keeping a repository of centralized data is of utmost significance for the information management. Because of this, it is important to build a database concept which outlines the readiness needed for functioning of the database. It must always cover a database security concept that concentrates on the operation of the database. Improper safeguarding of data might compromise database confidentiality, its availability and integrity. In order to prevent this, it is very important to form a comprehensive 'database security' concept. For ensuring the security of a database, an appropriate database management system -- DBMS is required to be functional. For successful protection, the database management system must compulsory fulfill the necessities stated below.''

Tags:database, security, access, control, systems, strategy

Abstract
This paper explains that, to manage such a huge network of stores, to integrate the different stores and to optimize its performance, Wal-mart had turned to information technology for intelligent business management solutions. The author points out that Wal-Mart, with more than 2800 stores, has taken customer service to new heights with access and intelligent interpretation of data that permits each customer to access details pertaining to products from any of the stores around the country. The paper relates that today Wal-Mart has one of lowest expenditure in terms of the logistics with distribution expenses amounting to only three percent of the overall sales.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Summary
Wall-Mart (Data Warehouse)
Data Mining
Analysis (Major Problem)
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Wal-Mart turned to Neo Vista Software Inc. to deliver its data mining needs. The Neo Vista decision series "was tailored to match the requirements of the database environment of Wal-Mart. One important advantage of the implementing the data-mining tool was that the company was able to optimize the inventory management. (Better management of stocks). According to said Randy Mott, the senior vice president and the chief information officer of Wal-Mart, "Our investment in data mining is part of Wal-Mart's drive to deliver what it's customers want: the right item, at the right store, at the right time and at the right price, the NeoVista Decision Series is enabling Wal-Mart to look at individual items for individual stores to determine seasonal sales profiles. This additional level of detailed analysis is helping us make even better informed business decisions and helps us further utilize our data Warehouse."[Author not Available] With data from all its POS (Point of Sale terminals) available in the data warehouse the Neo vista decision series gives a clear picture of the business trends and provides good demand projection."

Tags:network, access, interpretation, software, service

Abstract
This paper describes how office automation and group collaboration software is used in a food service distribution organization. It includes a brief analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each software type used, the type of software recommended and the advantages and disadvantages of each recommendation. This paper furthermore provides an analysis of the use of databases in a food service distribution organization. It includes the type of database applications used, along with proposed improvements.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Office Automation, Group Software and Database Applications
Database Uses
Proposal for Improvements
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Outlook have proven to be an excellent resource of group collaboration software at PFG. Microsoft Exchange has allowed PFG to automate office functions like filing, typing, copying, and faxing. Microsoft Outlook makes scheduling appointments and meetings easy. The Microsoft Outlook calendar and corresponding viewing functions allow associates across the corporation to stay up-to-date with the latest appointment and meeting information. Microsoft Exchange and Outlook are office automation tools that provide extensive benefits to PFG. With database applications, data can be imported and managed more efficiently than through manual processes. Stored data results in professional reports, documents and letters through simple programming commands. Since a database application helps a business keep track of important business information, a database application program is a good investment for any business organization."

Tags:distribution, collaboration, programming

Abstract
This paper discusses and evaluates the use of databases at the British Columbia Muslim Association. The author finds that more extensive use of databases could be implemented and combined with the association's Web site.

From the Paper
"The British Columbia Muslim Association (BCMA) is a largely volunteer organization that operates a central Web site with links to Islamic resources in the BC community. The Web site is currently undergoing ..."

Tags:databases, british columbia muslim association, bcma, distributed databases, oracle