Database Design

We have strong database design experience and have designed databases for large organizations such as Fitness First and the Peverel Group. We have designed databases for Micosoft Access and MySQL, and most often Microsoft SQL Server. Here is a summary of the design processes that we go through - each design however is tailored to the clients specific needs.

 

The Logical Database Design

 

We will create a logical data model, from which a physical database design can be derived, the work involved often uses data modelling tools such as ERWin, The Logical Model Design Process The design process involves a series of steps; we typically start with determining the data items that need to be held in the database, then determine the relationship between the data elements.

 

From this we are able to start data modelling, and typically use modelling tools such as ERWin to develop the logical model. We work closely with the client where a person with the business expertise is usually called upon to assist in the logical design process. The requirements analysis process requires skills on our side to tease out the necessary information from the client. We are experienced in doing this however, and the procedure will result in the logical schema definition, defining the data relationships and dependancies. The final steps are the filling out of the logical model database definition with Field and datatype definitions.

 

The Physical database design

 

The physical database model details the physical configuration of the database on the storage device. This includes detailed specification of data elements, vendor specific data types and indexing options.

 

When we have created the physical database, we will then often be called upon to migrate data from existing systems into the new DB. This can be a difficult process, and typically involves the writing of migration scripts and the use of ETL Tools such as Microsoft SQL DTS and SSIS. SQL DTS