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1993-01-04
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DataBase Structure Manager Introduction
The DataBase Structure Manager (DBSM) is a data dictionary specifically
designed to manage Dbase-type relational database systems. It maintains
multiple database specifications and creates database structures according to
the dictionary specifications. It effectively replaces the dBASE III PLUS
CREATE and MODIFY STRUCTURE commands with a comprehensive and controlled
development process. The database structures may be created in the dBASE III
PLUS/FoxBase or Clipper file format.
The DataBase Structure Manager also performs maintenance of index file specifi-
cations and creates Clipper-style index files. All dictionary information may
be reported in comprehensive, pre-defined documentation reports. A Structure
Import Utility is provided to automate updating the dictionary with database
structure information from existing databases.
The DBSM simplifies and controls relational database system development.
It is simplified by allowing redundant data field definitions to be eliminated.
For instance, a VENDORID key data field that occurs in multiple databases need
only be defined once and then it can be assigned to the appropriate databases.
The development process is more controlled because the singular definition of
data fields ensures consistent definitions in each database it is assigned to.
Each time a database structure is created or changed, any existing data field
may be used in the structure definition. This contributes to consistent data
field names across multiple databases.
Updating a data field specification that occurs in multiple databases requires
changing only one data field in the dictionary. Once the data field has been
changed, the relevant databases may be regenerated by selecting them from a
point and select window. In this process, there is no need to find all the
databases that use the data field before making the data field change. Also,
the change that is made is consistent for all related databases.
The DataBase Structure Manager also provides the capability to document the
database system. The data field dictionary maintains more information than the
mandatory specifications (ie., field name, type, length, and decimals). Each
data field definition may include a picture format, default value, low and high
range value, validation procedure name, description, and an indication whether
the field is required during data entry. In addition, databases and the
application in general may be described in detail using an open-ended word
processor. All of the information maintained may be reported and since the
dictionary information is maintained in Dbase file format, it may be directly
referenced by application programs.
DBSM System Files
-----------------
DBSMInfo.Arc DBSM Introduction in archived format
DBSMInfo.Doc A brief DBSM system introduction (You're reading it.)
DBSM21.Exe Self-extracting Dictionary and Documentation
Read_Me.1st Important DBSM usage and startup information
DBSM.Exe DBSM Version 2.1 executable
DBSM.Doc DBSM Version 2.1 documentation
OrderFrm.Doc DBSM order form
BBSUplod.Doc BBS upload information
Update.Doc DBSM version update information
DBSMIm.Exe Self-extracting Structure Import Utility & Documentation
DBSMImp.Exe DBSM Structure Import Utility Version 2.1 executable
DBSMImp.Doc DBSM Structure Import Utility Version 2.1 documentation
The extraction and expansion process will create 9 new files in the current
directory. The 9 extracted files require an additional 827,778 bytes of disk
space (plus any additional bytes to round out to even cluster sizes).
A fully-enabled, evaluation copy of the DBSM programs and documentation files
may be ordered for $10 on 5.25" disk media or $13 on 3.5" disk media. The
license registration fee by itself is $35 (if disks are included with
registration, $45 or $48).
Please direct any requests or comments to:
Progressive Data Systems
P.O. Box 631
Middleton, WI 53562
Phone (608) 836-5075