ARTICLE 1 Database Management System A collection of programs that enables you to store, modify, and extract information from

a database. There are many different types of DBMSs, ranging from small systems that run on personal computers to huge systems that run on mainframes. The following are examples of database applications: computerized library systems

automated teller machines

Flight reservation systems

computerized parts inventory systems

From a technical standpoint, DBMSs can differ widely. The terms relational, network, flat, and hierarchical all refer to the way a DBMS organizes information internally. The internal organization can affect how quickly and flexibly you can extract information. Requests for information from a database are made in the form of a query, which is a stylized question. For example, the query SELECT ALL WHERE NAME = "SMITH" AND AGE > 35 requests all records in which the NAME field is SMITH and the AGE field is greater than 35. The set of rules for constructing queries is known as a query language. Different DBMSs support different query languages, although there is a semi-standardized query language called SQL (structured query language). Sophisticated languages for managing database systems are called fourth-generation languages, or 4GLs for short. The information from a database can be presented in a variety of formats. Most DBMSs include a report writer program that enables you to output data in the form of a report. Many DBMSs also include a graphics component that enables you to output information in the form of graphs and charts.

Advantages

Reduced data redundancy Reduced updating errors and increased consistency Greater data integrity and independence from applications programs Improved data access to users through use of host and query languages Improved data security Reduced data entry, storage, and retrieval costs Facilitated development of new applications program

Disadvantages

Database systems are complex, difficult, and time-consuming to design Substantial hardware and software start-up costs Damage to database affects virtually all applications programs Extensive conversion costs in moving form a file-based system to a database system Initial training required for all programmers and users

Reference http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/database_management_system_DBMS.html http://www.cl500.net/pros_cons.html

ARTICLE 2
DatabaseServer

There are several database servers, each storing a number of objects. An object is defined by a name which is unique within a group of database servers, and its values. The class used to define such an object is Database Object which I shall discuss later. A set of such database servers will connect to a lookup server, that will have intelligence about all the existing data servers and their stored objects. The DatabaseServer class extends Thread and implements Database Server Interface, which defines the following functions: Example
public void startServer(String myIP, int myPort, String LookupServerIP, int LookupServerPort); public void addObject(String objName, int initialValue);

a. startServer: This function will open a connection on which it will listen for requests from clients or other DBServers. It will also store the Lookup server information (its IP and port given as parameters) for future information requests it will make. b. addObject: The DBServer will store information about a certain object (its name and value) and it will announce the LookupServer about its existence. c. stopServer: The DBServer will wait a predefined time for the current tasks to finish, then it will close all connections. Each database server is a thread and it will run in the background after it is started, awaiting requests. In order to process several incoming requests, a database server uses a pool of threads. Each request received will be assigned to a thread in the pool, if one is available; it will wait for an available one otherwise. A task assigned to a thread in the pool is defined by the internal class HandlerData. According to the type of message received, it will accept a connection or read, interpret data and send an answer.

Reference http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/31518/Distributed-Database-Management-System