This paper describes the advantages of database technology over conventional file systems in processing information for electrical power system analysis and design. The authors then describe NIAM, a semantic data model, using a simple conceptual schema for power system information. Finally, they describe how applications and graphics interfaces can be integrated with the power system database. The paper is rather short, and provides relatively little information about the distinct requirements of the power system application. The advantages cited for the use of database technology are the usual ones (reduction of redundant data, data independence, etc.).

The NIAM model does not seem to have any features not found in other recent semantic data models. Relatively little information is provided about its capabilities, or the particular requirements of the application that caused its selection. The system architecture discussion is also rather skimpy. No indication is given as to whether either NIAM or the system described have actually been implemented. The conceptual schema, although rather small (around eight entity types), and presented without much explanation, may possibly be of interest to those interested in database applications. Aside from that, this paper is not very informative.:9l