The true value of this book is in the eye of the beholder (reader). It contains valuable views on some important database concepts which should lead the reader to a better understanding of the data administration function. The topics covered in the book are all germane to current database issues and problems. They, in fact, make up the arrangement of the book. The topics are listed below since they speak for themselves in revealing the scope of the book, thereby providing an objective summary of the material:
Introduction to the Database Environment.
Concepts of Data Administration and Database Administration.
Database Design Methodology.
Database Security, Privacy, and Integrity.
Advanced Features of Database Security, Privacy, and Integrity.
Data Administation Function and Services.
Resolution of Conflicts in a Database Environment.
Techniques for Auditing Data Bases and On-Line Systems.
Concepts of Data Dictionaries.
Case Histories.
The book is exceptionally valuable in that the author clarifies several key database issues that are often hazy or left hanging. Three of these issues which lead to better reader understanding are the following:(1) Data Administration and Data Base Administration--the differences, how they relate, and the future of DA and DBA.
(2) Data Security, Privacy, and Integrity--Advanced features including auditing and monitoring, top management involvement, and integrity methodologies.
(3) Data Dictionaries--As a glossary of definitions, as a system development and maintenance tool, and as superior documentation medium: how to use them, and where they work best.
One problem with the book may be the reader’s expectations of what benefits can be expected from a careful reading of it. Contrary to its stated purpose of serving as a technical guide for workers at all levels in data administration and management, the book is more of a topical compendium of a number of critical topics in database. These topics are presented very well, but are probably of more interest to database specialists and managers, systems analysts, and functional users from a conceptual point of view. To be a technical guide would require broader coverage in database modeling and design. The book would undoubtedly be of great interest to database people in large public utilities who are using hierachical or IMS related systems. The book is well organized. The author’s idea of having selected topics that are of current interest to database administration and data control tends to make the book a valuable reference. It will enhance the reader’s understanding of the subject and provide some useful ideas for successful implementations. After the first chapter, which gives an excellent overview of what is to come, each chapter is dedicated to a topic and can be read independent of the other chapters in the book. Perhaps an easily overlooked part of the book is the five Appendices providing definition contents of Attributes, Entity Class, Logical Group, Data Definition, and Logical Schema. The reader has to go through to Chapter 9 on Data Dictionaries to discover how the Appendices are tied into the book. This is unfortunate since the content of the Appendices is excellent and could form the basis for other database model and design coverage, particularly the increasingly popular relational systems.
Although the title of the book may be slightly misleading, it deserves a place with other current database books and articles. It is well written and documented, and contains some good ideas on database. The book is recommended reading for both the technicians and managers who seek to do a better job with data administration and control.
