Database Architecture
Database architecture plays a massive role in your ability to grow and meet new long-term and short-term goals. It's responsible for the overall organization of computer programs and information storage for businesses, agencies, and individuals. In the simplest of terms, database architecture refers to ways you can organize and store your data in a way that is easily retrievable at a later date. For example, an architect will take blueprints from their project and place them in a binder according to the building they were intended for. The blueprints are then labeled with what room or section they belong to so that anyone could find that specific set if necessary in the future. This means there's a similar process in organizing computer programs and information in a database system. There also needs to be security measures in place because not everyone who downloads your data should have access to it without restrictions--even if it's only temporary. The steps involved in database architecture include designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining.
Design
Superior database architecture begins with the design phase. It's important to start this process early on because it addresses several different elements that will need to be discussed before development even begins. If you're designing the database system for a business, then you'll likely need end-user input before moving onto the design phase.
The design phase of database architecture consists of several steps, such as:
- Determine the purpose of your database -- Knowing the actual purpose of your database gives you a better sense of direction for the entirety of the process.
- Identify and organize your information -- Gather all of the information that will be recorded in the database and organize it based on subject and importance.
- Choose primary keys -- These could be product IDs or order IDs. The keys serve as a column to identify each row of information.
- Examine for errors -- Every couple of steps it's important to examine your architecture for errors.
- Apply normalization rules -- This step will make sure your tables are structured the prop way. You can always make adjustments to these tables as needed.
There are many more steps that can be added to the design phase based on many factors, including the size of your database and the experience you have creating architecture for databases. Outsourcing these processes is always a great way to guarantee satisfaction.
Maintenance
Back-end database updates and optimization of tables should all be completed during this phase. After a certain amount of time, you'll need to go through several of these phases in order to ensure your business stays afloat and operates as intended.
There will likely come a time when some or even all of these phases will have to be reevaluated for further development on each aspect of the database so it can stay relevant with today's technology. This is especially true if an upgrade has been released since its initial launch into your company's networks and systems.
For example, If you initially developed an architecture for your database with Microsoft Access and then released it to the public, you may need to reevaluate this phase after a few years if they recently updated their software. There are several crucial updates to be aware of so it's important not to overlook them.
Implementation
The implementation phase is where you put your database system into action and turn it into useful information for end users. This is when business data models and other objects created during the design and development phases are fully functional with all of their features.
After this point, there will always be changes to the database structure because not every user may expect or need things organized in exactly the same way as another person might. This is where an expert comes in handy. Updating the system with new features and fixes must be done at this phase to save any possible errors that could occur later on down the line.
Development
In database architecture, the development phase is where you'll create your data models from your blueprints from the design phase. You may have an idea of what you want to accomplish with your database system but this part will formalize it all into a usable format that can be accessed by end users on a daily basis.
This phase takes the design's blueprint and crafts each section practically to accommodate new information as it comes in later on during implementation. It's important to keep in mind that this can't be a one-time process and requires constant updating over time.
Why Database Architecture Matters?
Database Architecture is important to include in any business plan because it's something that will become the foundation of your company. Without adequate planning and preparation, you're likely to run into problems later on with expanding or scaling your business. Not having everything sorted out from the start can lead to additional expenses, time spent fixing mistakes, lost revenue, and frustrated employees and clients because their questions aren't being answered quickly enough for them.
Database Architecture FAQ's
The four phases of database architecture include design, development, implementation, and maintenance. In truth, the process of database architecture is never-ending, and a great team supporting you can make this process much more simple.
Database architecture is extremely important because it serves as the foundation of your company and all of its projects. Having excellent database architecture can also help you grow your business and meet long-term goals.
Yes, there are database architecture services out there that can help you design, implement, and maintain your database. In fact, we recommend outsourcing this process if you do not have any previous experience with it.