Re: Seeking Database Design Guide

[DAsmussen@xxxxxxx]

Paul,

In a message dated 97-07-31 08:26:17 EDT, you write:

> The first thing about designing 'relational' databases is not that they're
>  different than flat files, it's just that they're 'normalized.'
>  
>  For best results, you need to normalize your databases to at least 3rd
>  normal form.

BUT (just like mine, a BIG one), DESIGN your database to third normal form
and then BACK OFF as necessary to meet current hardware restrictions.  Much
as SSA touts CORBA II compliance for their new software, normalization lives
in an "ideal" world.  The problem is, many of these "ideals" were designed in
the 1960's and the hardware STILL hasn't caught up.  YES, I can DESIGN a
database that goes to fifth normal form.  NO, I WOULDN'T want to be
responsible for making a business run on it with today's hardware...

JMHO,

Dean Asmussen
Enterprise Systems Consulting, Inc.
Fuquay-Varina, NC  USA
E-Mail:  DAsmussen@AOL.COM

"Great moments in science:  Einstein discovers that time actually IS money."
-- Gary Larson, "Far Side" caption.
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