Universiti Teknologi MARA. A Survey on Database Software (Database Management System) in Industries (Klang Valley)

Transcription

1 2 T1H Universiti Teknologi MARA A Survey on Database Software (Database Management System) in Industries (Klang Valley) Iruwi Bin Othman Thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for Bachelor of Science (Hons) Business Computing Faculty of Information Technology And Quantitative Science November 2005

2 APPROVAL A SURVEY ON DATABASE APPLICATION IN INDUSTRIES (KLANG VALLEY) BY IRUWI BIN OTHMAN This thesis was prepared under the direction of thesis supervisor, Fauziah Redzuan. It was submitted to the Faculty of Information Technology and Quantitative Sciences and was accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Business Computing. improved by: Of^^i^^ ^. Fauziah Redzuan Thesis Supervisor Date: NOVEMBER 21,2005

3 DECLARATION This declaration is to clarify that all of the submitted contents of this thesis are original in its stature, excluding those, which have been, acknowledge specifically in the references. All the work process involvedfrommy own idea and woik. November 2r, 2005 IRUWI BIN OTHMAN u

4 ACKNOWLEDGMENT **In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most MercifuP Praise to Allah, the one and only, for giving me strength and guidance to complete this final year project. The project dehvered in this paper could not been accomplished without the help of many individuals. The first and foremost I would like to take this opportunity to extent my greatest gratitude to my lovely family for their understanding and commitment during my crucial time researching and finishing this final year project. The special gratitude also goes to my project supervisor, Puan Fauziah Redzuan who giving her idea and her numerous invaluable advice, comment, guidance and persistent encouragement throughout the course of this project. Not to forget our special thank to Profesor Madya Hjh Mardziah Hashim, the coordinator project for pointing to me the direction during the course of this project. I also want to thank to Puan Nalini Darmarajan, program coordinator for Bachelor of Science (Hons) Business Computing, for his support and advice not only on this project but also during most of my study period. Lastly, to all my courses mate and housemates were very helpful in giving valuable ideas and finding references upon demand. Thank you for your moral support and corporation. I also want to thankful to all people who names are not mentioned for their encouragement and support for this project. I hope ALLAH SWT bless of you all. THANK YOU. m

5 ABSTRACT This project prepared for the Faculty of Information Technology and Quantitative Science (FTMSK), is a survey on database application in industries (Klang Valley). The database application investigate based on the usage, integrity and also demand. The information covers in Klang Valley which the respondent came from Information Technology (IT) Department and also a database user. This survey contains information about the demographic, the adoption of database software (database management system) and also user view about database software (database management system). The results from this research determine the database software (database management system) environment and giving some recommendation to Faculty of Information Technology and Quantitative Science (FTMSK) regarding to fulfill the requirement of the industries. IV

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS PAGE DECLARATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ABSTRACT TABLE OF CONTENT LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES ii ui iv v ix x CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.0 Background Problem Statement Objective of the Research Research Question Scope Significant Of Research Research ^proach and Methodology Limitation Overview of Research 5 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Database Term and Definition Database Technology Integrity Constraints Database Vendor Microsoft Corp Oracle Corp IBM 12

7 2.3.4 Hyperion Database Demand Database Application Comparison Comparing Inter&ces Comparing Build and Manage Capabilities Summary 22 CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 3.0 The Research Approach The Research Question Research Design Chart The Research Model Research Methodology Primary Data The Target Segment Samphng Design The Questionnaire The Survey Questionnaire and Form Design lunstructured Question Structured Questions Question Wording Order of Question Form and Layout Secondary Data The Analysis of Research Data Summary 32 CHAPTER 4 RESULT AND FINDING 4.0 Result and Findings Analysis Demogr^hic Section 33 VI

8 4.1.1 Type of Organization Types of Industries Location Number of Employees Position in Information Technology (IT) Department Develop Database Database Application Characteristic Database Initialization Operation Mode Integrity Integrity Constraints Implementation Types of Integrity Database.^plication: Current and Demand Current Database Implementation Current Database Application Product Satisfaction Opinion Factors to Upgrade the Database Application Database Demand Based On Database Vendor Database Demand Based On Database Product Factors to Migrate to Newer Database Application Quick Response to Ad Hoc Queries Low Program Maintenance and Operating Cost Prompt Response to Future Changes in The Systems Good Security Reliable Backup and Recovery Vendor Reputation Education Learning Experience 61 Vll

9 4.6 Discussion of Findings Summary 65 CHAPTERS CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 5.0 Conclusion Recommendation Summary 69 REFERENCES 70 APPENDICES viu

10 LIST OF TABLE Table Number Page Market Shares by Revenue of Enterprise Database Software Market Competition between Etatabase Vendors in 2004 < Comparison between Platforms Based on Their Interfaces The Build and Manage Capabilities within the Business Mtelligence 20 Platforms of Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM 4.1 Location Organization Categorized Number oflt People in Organization Positions in IT Department Database Vendors and Product List Database Vendors and Product List Analysis Quick Response to ad hoc Queries Low Program Maintenance and Operating Cost Prompt Response to Future Changes in the Systems Good Security Reliable Backup and Recovery Vendor Reputation Learn From University or Higher Learning Education Respondents Learn about Database Application User Ratings based on Factor 64 IX

11 LIST OF FIGURE Figure Number Page 3.1 The Adoption Model for the Database AppHcation in Industries Overview of Methodology Techniques Types of Organization Types of Industries Respondents who Develop Database AppUcation Database Initialization Operation Mode Integrity Constraints Implementation Types of Integrity Current Database Implementation Based on Database Vendors Current Database ^pucation Products User Satisfection User Opinions about Future Database Application Factors Bring to Upgrade Database Application Demand Database Demand Based On Database Product Learning Experience 61

12 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION This chapter provides the background and the rationale for the study. It also gives an overview of the content of the research. I.O Background The using of database software (database management system) in Malaysia is become more important to the organization in order to maintain its operational record and customer data. Most of the organization today not only look at a database software (database management system) as the tool to store data but also give other of benefits such as reducing cost of maintaining files and also operation time. The percentage of the database software (database management system) users and computer literacy among Malaysians are increasing each year and the market for database software (database management system) such as Oracle, IBM DB2, Informix, Sybase, Microsoft and others are become more competitive. It would be appropriate to see a database software (database management system) environment from the industries perspectives to gain vital information to the growth of the database ^plication in Malaysia in order to enhance or strengthen database course in Faculty of Information Technology and Quantitative Science (FTMSK).

13 1.1 Problem Statement This is an exploratory research where the result is to provide insight and understanding about the environment of database software (database management system) in industries especially in Klang Valley where the main puipose of the study is generally attempts to find out what are the current database the organization implemented and factors that could influence decision making about organizations buying and using intention on database software (database management system) in order to maintain their operation. It is also to seek reasons to why some organizations choosing that database software (database management system) which there are based on what criteria, term and condition. This study is conducted because the development and market for database software (database management system) is still under expectation. It also to determine what kind of database software (database management system) knowledge must be providing in computer sciences faculty in order to fiiuill the requirement of the industries. 12 Objective of the Research The objectives of the research are: To identify type of database software (database management system) industries are being use currently. To identify about the demand of database software (database management system) today. To identify the integrity of database software (database management system).

14 13 Research Question In this research survey are done to gain primary data. To design the questions for the interview, a set of research question was done. It gives a clearer idea in designing the interview question. The research question will be discussed in detail in chapter Scope This research is conducted in the Klang Valley area. This is because most of the companies or industries are based in the central of the business area that provide lots of facilities like transportation, logistic like airport and harbor and etc. The respondents are also selected from Klang Valley which they having an Information Technology Department and using database software (database management system). It is because our main goal of this research is to gain information about database software (database management system). 1.5 Significant Of Research This project is important for: 1. Faculty of Information Technology and Quantitative Science (FTMSK). The main objective is to fulfill the requirement of the industries especially in database course. It is because the evolution of computer especially based on hardware and software is increasing rapidly in the past few years. Therefore, local universities must aware and ready to face this changes by improving the syllabus of database courses in order to make sure that subject are following the changes in database software (database management system) in industries.

15 2. Industries The information gainfromthis research can be used by industries to learn more about the database environment today. It is because thefindingsof this research can help people especially database developer and user to determine what types of database application can be as alternative to them if one day they want to migrate to a newer database. 1.6 Research Approach and Methodology This research was conducted primarily to identify what type of database software (database management system) they are being use currently, the demand for the database software (database management system) and also the integrity of database software (database management system). So in order to gain knowledge, the researcher decided to use the survey and interview methods. The subjects of the research came from the Information Technology (IT) department especially database software (database management system) user and \^o involve in developing a system based on database software (database management system). 1.7 Limitation In the process of completing the research, there are a few barriers and limitations that took place like: The participation and cooperation from companies and organization is limited regarding to their privacy. The reason on why they do not want to corporate because tiie respondent thinks that some of the questions are considered private company information.

16 1.8 Overview of Research This research is divided into five major chapters that are introduction, literature review, research approach and methodology, results andfindings,conclusion and recommendations. Introduction as the first chapter consist of research background, problem description, objectives, significance, approach and methodology, limitations as well as overview of the report. Chapter 2 e7q)lains about the literature review based on database software (database management system). Chapter 3 explains about research ^proach, research model, methods of data collection, analysis of research data and lastly the summary. In chapter 4, the result andfindingwill be discussed. The final chapter is the most important chapter which it contain comments and recommendation that will give the reader the concise summary of all research major outcomes.

17 CHAPTER! LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter consists of reviews and summaries of the literature regarding the scope of this research. In this chapter, the topics that are going to be highhghted and discussed all the related journals, books, magazine and internet information are read and discussed. The entire items are being categorized as the secondary data. 2.0 Database Term and Definition The term of database, often used interchangeably in fact has different meaning. Michael V. Mannino (2004) stated that database can be defined as a collection of persistent data that can be shared and interrelated. Next according to John Paul and Ashenfelter (2003) database is the tools that manage all of that information. Next it also can be defined as an organized body of related information ( which a collection of data: part numbers, products codes, customer information, etc. It usually refers to data organized and stored on a computer that can be searched and retrieved by a computer program (supportsbcglobal.net/general/662.shtml). Based on the other source ( database can determine as an organized collection of information stored on a computer. With optix, a database is an organized collection of electronic documents stored on a computer. The database is structure to facihtate the search and retrieval of information contained in the database.

18 2.1 Database Technology Database technology is not only improving the daily operation of organization but also the quality of decision that affects our lives. Michael V. Mannino (2004) stated that Databases contain a flood of data about many aspects of our lives: consumer preferences, telecommunications usage, credit history, television viewing habits, and so on. Database technology helps to summarize this mass of data into use&l information for decision making. Management uses information gleaned from database to make long-range decisions such as investing in plants and equipment, locating stores, adding new items to inventory, and entering new business. Data processing has changed dramatically in the past 30 years; these changes have been evolutionary. According to Ronald P. Anjard Sr (1994), processing data with conventional files frilfilled a need that existed during the 1960s. As users are exposed to data processing, they find additional ways to use the services. Many different departments within an organization now require access to the same data. With conventional file processing, data are often duplicated in multiple files. Often data are stored in different formats in each of the files in vmch they are stored. On occasion, data which are stored in multiplefilesdo not agree and time has to be expended to resolve these differences. If two or more departments must share data, a potential security exposure exists. Processing with a database management system ofifers a number of advantages. The location of the database management system within the software chain provides data independence. With a database management system, data can be stored in one location and accessed by many different systems and department; there is no unplanned redundancy. A software mask within the database management system (DBMS) provides data integrity. Economies of scale can be

19 achieved by installing a database management system at a central site where it can be supported by a group of highly trained personnel. 2J2 Integrity Constraints Integrity means that the data in the database is correct at all times (Elias M. Awad and Malcohn H. Gotterer, 1992). The integrity of a database is concerned with its consistency, correctness, validity and accuracy (David Bell and Jane Crimson, 1992). Looking at in another way, we can say that database integrity is concerned with whether or not the state of the database obeys the rules of the organization it models. These rules, called integrity rules or integrity constraints, take the form of general statements governing the way the organization works. Integrity is important in a single user-user as well as multi-user environment. Based on Timon C. Du (2002), Integrity constraints can be categorized into class constraints and operational constraints. The class constraints include ISA class constraints, disjoint class constraints, property induction constraints, required property constraints, single-valued property constraints and unique property constraints. In the Ust, both the key constraints and referential integrity are the kernel components for the relational database. The key constraints assure that all instance of a table are distinct and the referential integrity constraints maintain consistency among instances of two tables. 23 Database Vendor There are 4 major vendors which having a greater market share for the database application competition (Mitch Kramer, 2002). There are Microsoft Corp., Oracle Corp., IBM and Hyperion.

20 23.1 Microsoft Corp. Microsoft's business intelligence platform strategy is rooted in its database oftering: SQL Server SQL Server 2000 is the anchor storage and query technology behind.net servers. And, one of the key applications for SQL Server is business intelligence. The business intelligence platform strategy for Microsoft leverages SQL Server-based technologies and products through these elements: Deliver a comprehensive business intelligence platform with advanced data warehousing techniques, great analytic fimctionauty, and excellent performance and scalability across all platform components Through Microsoft's business intelligence platform: Push business intelligence to the edges of the enterprise Make business intelligence more pervasive within the corporation Make business intelligence more reachable for more users and more types of users Microsoft implements this platform strategy through die appucation of a familiar and well-proven Microsoft product marketing formula. That formula has these key elements: Fast implementation Ease of learning and ease of use Low cost and high value Fast return on investment (ROI) This is the formula that Microsoft has repeatedly demonstrated and consistently proven. The company has used it successfully for its Windows platform (now.net platform), its SQL Server database as used for OLTP applications, its e- commerce platform, Commerce Server, and its appucation development suite. 9

21 Visual Studio. While all of us have been conditioned to be skeptical (even doubtful) about phrases like "fast implementation" and "ease of use," Microsoft has always delivered on them. And, this is not just a vision for small organizations with small budgets. Microsoft delivers data warehousing value to companies of all sizes. Netting it out, Microsoft's business intelligence platform strategy enables companies of any size, of any level of business intelligence skill and experience, of any IT budget to deploy business intelligence throughout and to deliver and achieve the benefits of business intelligence improved effectiveness, greater efficiency, and higher quality throughout all their business processes. Microsoft's business intelligence platform is built on SQL Server. SQL Server features provide relational and multidimensional data warehousing, OLAP, data mining, and build and manage capabilities for relational and multidimensional data warehouses. SQL Server also provides an array of ^plication interfaces all built on the flexible and extensible object-oriented COM component model. These interfaces provide the access to all business intelligence resowces with the flexibility and control to address any apphcation requirement. In fact, almost all of our requirements for business intelligence platforms are addressed completely by features of SQL Server. Packaging and pricing distance Microsoft's business intelligence platform from the platforms of Oracle, IBM, and Hyperion. For the processor-based license fee of $19,999 per processor for SQL Server Enterprise Edition, you get the entire business intelligence platform. OLAP, data mining, and build and manage capabilities are included as database features. 10

22 2J.2 Oracle Corp. Oracle is a software company with two major lines of business: databases and applications. The current flagship oftering of the firm's database business is Oracle9i. This is an object/relational database management system designed and positioned to support all types of Internet-based applications. Oracle9i integrates what Oracle terms a "complete and iategrated infirastructure for building business intelligence apphcations." So, Oracle's business intelhgence platform strategy to provide a comprehensive busiaess intelhgence platform built on and integrated within itsflagshipdatabase system. Oracle9i is the foundation of Oracle's business intelligence platform. OLAP ftmctionauty is provided by Oracle9i OLAP and data mining functionality is provided by Oracle9i Data Mining. Both are features of Oracle9i Enterprise Edition. Build and Managefimctionalityis provided by two toolsets. The first, Oracle Enterprise Manager, is the main managementframeworkand DBA toolset as well as the toolset for OLAP build and manage. The second is Oracle9i Warehouse Builder. This toolset, a component of Oracle Internet Developer Suite, provides capabilities for managing relational data warehousing resources, designing relational data warehouse models, and ETL. From a packaging perspective, Oracle offers Uttle bundling. All the components of its business intelligence platform are separately packaged and priced and the build and manage conq)onents have separately priced and packaged subcomponents. Oracle9i Enterprise Edition is priced at $40,000 per processor. Oracle9i OLAP is priced at $20,000 per processor. Oracle9i Data Mining is priced at $20,000 per processor. And, Oracle Warehouse Builder is priced at $5,000 per named user. Add them up and Oracle's business intelligence platform is at least five times higher in price than Microsoft' business intelligence platform. 11

23 233 IBM From a corporate perspective, IBM has three businesses: hardware, software, and consulting services. The software business has four components: WebSphere software, DB2 data management software, Lotus (collaboration) software, and Tivoli (system management) software. Business intelligence is one of two IBMprovided solutions of DB2 data management software. (The other solution is e- business.) IBM defines business intelligence as "warehousing, data mining, and OLAP." That's exactly our definition of a business intelligence platform. So, IBM's business inteuigence solution is a business intelligence platform. IBM's strategy for business intelligence is to help companies know their customers and to use that knowledge to gain competitive advantages, to maximize revenue, and minimize cost Business intelligence is imphcitly targeted at all of IBM's markets. Thefirmmakes no explicit distinction in the positioning of business intelligence for the types or sizes of companies or for the types of users within those companies that can use its business intelligence platform. It's a one sizefitsall approach. IBM's business intelligence platform is based on its DB2 data management software. The DB2 Universal Database (UDB) provides relational data warehousing capabihties. The database also integrates basic relational data warehousing build and manages capabihties. OLAP functionauty and OLAP build and manage functionauty are provided by DB2 OLAP Server, a feature of DB2 Enterprise Server Edition that is OEMed from Hyperion and re-branded. Data mining functionality is provided DB2 Intelligent Miner and DB2 OLAP Miner. The integrated relational build and manage functionauty of DB2 is enhanced with Warehouse Manager and DB2 OLAP Administrative Services 12

24 provides OLAP build and manage capabilities. With three exceptions, every component of IBM's business intelligence platform is separately packaged and priced. While individual components offer good value, the platform, as a whole can be quite costly. DB2 UDB is priced at $25,000 per processor for the Enterprise Server Edition V8.1. It includes the basic build and manages functionality of Data Warehouse Center. DB2 OLAP Server is priced at $28,000 per server with an additional $1,500 fee per named user. It includes the build and manages capabiuties of DB2 Administrative Services and the data mining functionahty of DB2 OLAP Miner. Intelligent Miner has three components. When you buy all three components, you'll pay a total price of $75,000 per processor. And, for advanced relational build and manage capabihties, DB2 Warehouse Manager is priced at $10,600 per processor. That adds up to $138,600 before you add in the prices for external ETL and data cleansing tools and per user fees for DB2 OLAP Server. Compare that with the $19,999 per processor for the entire Microsoft business intelligence platform Hyperion In mid 2001, Hyperion changed its corporate strategy, shifting its focus from business intelhgence software infrastructure and applications to business performance management software solutions. The firm states its objective "is to be the leading global provider of business performance management solutions." These solutions are designed to automate the business performance management process of strategy setting, modeling, planning, performance monitoring, reporting and analysis. Their objective is to improve your profitability. The technology platform for Hyperion's performance management solutions is Essbase, its venerable OLAP Server. Within the new strategy, Hyperion states 13