Complexity
exists in database systems whether managing data or databases. The ability to
understand this complexity and use this understanding to improve and innovate
in the management of these database systems is an important step. My PhD research investigations centred around
understanding best practices and the complexity that exists around management
of database systems.
I used the
analogy of a CODEX. The CODEX is a blueprint for database systems management.
The acronym CODEX was selected by analogy with the revolutionary introduction
of the Codex (Netz
& Noel 2007, pp.69–85) in the first century AD which
changed the storage medium from a roll to a Codex (book format). This brought
challenges migrating the data, but significant benefits of increased speed of
data access, reference and durability (of the parchment). Not all texts were
migrated from rolls to Codex and those that were not migrated became defunct.
Text case was changed from capitals to lowercase and minuscule copies made,
resulting in further change; original majuscule manuscripts have not survived.
This scholarly activity led to a revival in reading classic documents and a
development of a centre of culture.
The
CODEX is one of the outputs from the research, based on interpretation of the
data. The components stated in the CODEX, are the most prevalent components that
are connected when managing database systems.
The CODEX
(Control of Data EXpediently) blueprint acronym is constructed as: C for
control; O for control of Operations; D for data; E for expediently; and X for
unpredictable events. It is an acronym for a system
or way of controlling operations and data in a rapid, efficient and
accurate manner.
The five
inputs into the CODEX are required for every piece of data or database
management work. These five inputs are described in the paragraphs below.
C. An
important step in any database system is the control system: defining the business needs, budget, controlling
the people and time factors. People are important in the management of the database
system. It involves the stakeholders and the teams working together to achieve
a single goal. The culture driving this collaborative venture forward will
undoubtedly raise conflict, but this should be integrated with a high level of
communication with all levels in management, the stakeholders, the teams and
data and database staff. Also, the governance related to data and data quality
should be controlled.
O. Control of
operations of the database system is
the core day to day running of management tasks, the processes and the
performance of the system, orchestrating management through automated and
self-managing systems where possible. Technical management needs to understand
how internal and external technologies integrate. This is vital when using
cloud technologies because internal managers have no control of the details.
All of these operations require security to be considered to protect the data.
D. The
increasing volume of data acquired
today requires storage in various forms. Thus, databases or big data solutions
have developed to satisfy the current demand not only for storage but also to
provide information quickly and accurately. The variety of data, big or small,
requires governance and has a purpose. The reporting and visualization of data
is key to enhance business ability to grow, adapt and understand the
complexity. Data is continually changing and more of it needs to be stored to
meet the demands of society. Being able to understand the data for it to be
available and useful, is a core requirement to improve and innovate.
E. Expediency is driven from the need to
have efficient control over costs, speed of delivery and change. Designing
database systems that are easy to manage, simple and agile utilising reference
architectures and blueprints is key to performing expediently. To be able to
proceed the critical factors are knowledge, skills, learning, leading to
understanding and allowing planning to unfold unhindered. Development can lead
to fast performing applications and efficient management through automation.
X. With any
system and particularly in a diverse and ubiquitous database system, systems
change is always happening, be it with the number and type of database
platforms, the new technologies, global business or environment change. Change
is rapid and diverse. Using patterns and always establishing best practice will
help in the management of database systems. These best practices need to be
able to rapidly change as requirements change or are not known at the outset. Producing
documentation that can be automatically created is key for accuracy and
ensuring documentation is available. Also, unpredictable events can occur and
any changes to the components must be documented and changes to all respective
components made. There is continuous feedback over time.
I will
discuss in another blog post, how the suggested pattern, CODEX (Control of Data
EXpediently), can help improvement in managing database systems. Using AI to improve
management, incorporating telemetry, and systems diagramming will aid with the
change to come.
Holt, Victoria (2017). A Study into Best Practices and Procedures used in the Management of Database Systems. PhD thesis The Open University
Holt, Victoria (2017). A Study into Best Practices and Procedures used in the Management of Database Systems. PhD thesis The Open University
