Database Design Consultants

Stored Procedures and SQL Database Programming

The Stored Procedure and SQL database programming are the mother's milk of client server data architecture. Most client server database managers today have a well-developed data language which includes its version of a structured query language. Don't forget that the main advantage of a client server architecture is that most of the processing is accomplished before the data is returned from the server. That means that the instructions for processing must either be resident on the server, or passed to the server with the request. This process is called SQL programming.

Stored Procedures are pre-written packages routines which are called by the user program, and typically receive parameters from the user to enable them to perform their task on the server. These routines usually involve extensive manipulation of data using SQL language, and can be quite involved. A Stored Procedure can be used to create and update temporary or permanent tables, maintain logs, check and revise security, replicate data to and from other databases, and even keep track of complicated chains of transactions, ensuring the whole chain's compliance with a set of business rules before allowing any individual entry from the chain to be recorded.

We have extensive knowledge about the development and use of stored procedures and database programming, and use these techniques all the time as a normal part of the planning and design of a client server data model. In fact, we have an extensive library of bulletproof routines we have developed for clients over the years.

Administration

The huge increase in power and capability which comes from using client server technology has a cost. It's not so much a dollar cost, as it is a cost in complexity. These new tools are really engineering marvels which require periodic maintenance and care. Fortunately, they are sophisticated enough to have self- diagnosis tools, and can even send emails to their administrators in remote locations to advise of a looming issue, or to ask for a scheduled maintenance. And in most cases, database administration and programming can easily be performed from a remote location.

Database Architecture and Data Modeling

The success of every database project we've ever seen (and there have been hundreds) has been directly related to the degree to which it models the business. In most cases, out assignment involves planning and building a database program, but sometimes we are hired to provide an objective opinion, and to provide a set of recommendations to achieve a desired outcome.

When the project does not flow from the business in a natural process, it is almost always a failure. Sometimes, the business rules and objectives are not clear. There is nothing which points out inconsistencies in the business plan more clearly than a data model. But when the business plan and the data model are in harmony, the project is usually a resounding success.

The same is true for management of the project. The team is the software. If you have a team who doesn't get along, you will find that the interfaces in the software mirror that disrespect. If there is a genius, loose cannon on the team, the project will steam along swimmingly for a while, then hit an abrupt major problem because the whole team was not well wired together. If the team takes no risks, they have no confidence, and the resultant product will be lackluster, mediocre, and lacking in vision.

Database architecture and data modeling are the easy part. The result by which we are all measured is: what can you doto help the business. This necessarily means the simultaneous understanding of the data, the business and the people.

The reason we're so successful at this is because we have an uncommon blend of talents and experience. First, we know the tools and the technology very well. Second, we understand business problems, having seen them in many industries and under different conditions. Third, we are very quick studies, so the client doesn't spend unnecessary money educating the consultants. Fourth, we have libraries of routines which we can draw upon so that the wheel is not re-invented for each assignment. And, finally, we are adept at interacting with the necessary personnel in the best way to get the job done.

We invite you to email or call us at (973) 635 0080 for a free consultation.