Information Modeling and Relational Databases: From Conceptual Analysis to Logic (Paperback)

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Information Modeling and Relational Databases provides an introduction to ORM (Object Role Modeling)-and much more. In fact, it's the only book to go beyond introductory coverage and provide all of the in-depth instruction you need to transform knowledge from domain experts into a sound database design.

Inside, ORM authority Terry Halpin blends conceptual information with practical instruction that will let you begin using ORM effectively as soon as possible. Supported by examples, exercises, and useful background information, his step-by-step approach teaches you to develop a natural-language-based ORM model and then, where needed, abstract ER and UML models from it. This book will quickly make you proficient in the modeling technique that is proving vital to the development of accurate and efficient databases that best meet real business objectives.

Features

• The most in-depth coverage of Object Role Modeling available anywhere-written by a pioneer in the development of ORM.
• Provides additional coverage of Entity Relationship (ER) modeling and the Unified Modeling Language-all from an ORM perspective.
• Intended for anyone with a stake in the accuracy and efficacy of databases: systems analysts, information modelers, database designers and administrators, instructors, managers, and programmers.
• Explains and illustrates required concepts from mathematics and set theory.
• Via a companion Web site, provides answers to exercises, appendices covering the history of computer generations, subtype matrices, and advanced SQL queries, and links to downloadable ORM tools.

Authors:

Dr. Terry Halpin is Program Manager in the Database Modeling, Enterprise Framework, and Tools Unit at Microsoft Corporation. During a lengthy career as an academic in computer science, he also worked in industry on database modeling technology and as a data modeling consultant. Recent positions include Head of Database Research at Asymetrix, Research Director at InfoModelers, and Director of Database Strategy for Visio.

Table of Contents:

Industrial foreword
Academic foreword
Preface
1 Introduction
2 Information levels and frameworks
3 Conceptual modeling: first steps
4 Uniqueness constraints
5 Mandatory roles
6 Value, set comparison and subtype constraints
7 Other constraints and final checks
8 Entity relationship modeling
9 Data modeling in UML
10 Relational mapping
11 Relational languages
12 Schema transformations
13 Other modeling aspects and trends
Answers
Bibliography
ORM glossary
ER glossary
UML glossary
Index

Extras:

• Sample the Book
  • Chapter 3 Conceptual modeling: first steps (PDF)
• Appendices
  • Appendix A
  • Appendix B
  • Appendix C
• Solutions
  • Odd numbered solutions
  • Even numbered solutions*
• Instructors Guide*
• Figures from the book
• Information on how to get the free download of VisioModeler:

  The former ORM tool known as VisioModeler is now freely available as an unsupported product from Microsoft Corporation (as a 25 MB download).

  Models developed in VisioModeler may be exported to Microsoft's current and future ORM solutions, which are based on the Visio drawing engine. To obtain the free VisioModeler download, go to http://download.microsoft.com which should take you to the following page http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search/asp? where you can search by selecting Keyword Search, entering the keyword "VisioModeler" and selecting your operating system (e.g. Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98 or NT 4.0). This should bring up a download page that includes the title "VisioModeler (Unsupported Product Edition)". Clicking on this will take you to the link for the download file MSVM31.exe. Click on this to do the download. The 25 MB file takes just over 2 hours to download on a 28.8 k modem. Here is the general http://download.microsoft.com download page.

  *Available to instructors only; request a password from your academic sales representative

Errata:

Current Errata

Related Titles:

Database