Systems Life Cycle, Research Paper Example

Systems definition and the need for beginning and an end in Systems

Systems are basically sets of components that work in interaction or independently with the aim of creating an integrated whole. A system may also be defined as an assortment of components or elements and relationships which are completely discrete from the ones existing between diverse elements or sets (Tarride, 2006). Database systems imply to components that work in interaction and at times independently with the ultimate objective of forming a merged whole or a collection of components as well as relationships that are utterly differing from the ones between varieties of elements (Alhadi & Ahmad, 2012). A relationship between the systems life cycle and systems is evident because, database systems have an idiosyncratic beginning together with an end. Additionally, Tarride, (2006) argues that, database systems involves interconnected sets of components and tasks aiming at solving a particular problem on the basis of elaborately defined processes (Tarride, 2006).

The aptitude of systems to offer solutions consequently originate from an initial process, flows through an explicit route up to the last process in order to achieve a logical solution, thus the importance of systems life cycle in the systems (Root & Mason, 2012).  The role of database systems involves giving amicable solutions that passes a methodical as well as logical route which is the systems life cycle. The ultimate objectives of a system involve achievement of data collection in an organized manner coupled with the relevant tools as well as applications that enhance processing and availing the data to the end user.

Importance of life cycle integration into database development plan

The significance behind integration of systems life cycle in any plan in a system is based on recognition that the systems lifecycle involves a combination of sundry processes. The decisive objective involves creation of a database that is equipped with practical features of functionality in addition to the capabilities of addressing the needs of the client (Lundteigen, Rausand, & Utne, 2009). Arrangement of individual processes that include requirements, the planning, the development, the design, the installation, the testing and also maintenance are important determinants of the type of a lifecycle that is likely to result. Therefore, it is important to consider the correct order of sequence of these important processes during development of a database in order to meet the predictable efficiency, effectiveness as well as the ability to function as projected (Fairfield, 2004). The most correct order of these processes is the planning, the requirements, the design, the development, the testing, the installation and lastly, maintenance (Lundteigen, Rausand & Utne, 2009). Consequently, the guiding principle behind the presence of a lifecycle in the development of a database is its aptitude of accommodating important properties that include as progressive improvement, restriction of scope, pre-defined structure and incremental planning.

The connotation of incorporating a systems life cycle in the database systems engrosses the potentialities of accommodating some features that will augment the efficiency as well as functionality of entire database.

Examples of database system in organizations, systems life cycle in database system, their relationship and effectiveness

The most common database management systems that are at the disposal of many organizations are for example Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle. In the first place, the Microsoft SQL Server involves relational database management systems from Microsoft (Root & Mason, 2012). In as far as the database management system is concerned, Microsoft SQL Server serves the function of a platform based on software that has purposely been designed for data storage and retrieval once other applications have placed a request for this service in or out of the system. The Systems Life Cycle that is associated with Microsoft SQL Server bears four characteristic processes. The first one involves the beginning of lifecycle, the second one involves the mainstream support, the third is the extended support and the fourth is the service park support end. The four processes work in harmony with the ultimate objective of addressing the storage as well well as retrieval needs as the ultimate role associated with Microsoft SQL Server.

The effectiveness of database management systems discussed in this section are attributed to the existence of a variety of editions that have been designed in a manner that they can efficiently address the needs of diverse users coupled with a variety of workloads that range from small applications in a single PC to extremely bigger applications that require the internet connections with a stream of concurrent users (Root & Mason, 2012).

On the other hand, Oracle entails a database system that is a property of Oracle Corporation that is mandated in its creation and marketing. In view of this fact, Oracle is therefore a database management system that is object oriented and the reasons behind its creation engross gathering of information as a single entity (Alhadi & Ahmad, 2012). The intentions behind the existence of Oracle therefore, involve storage as well as retrieval of data in addition to other important information. Oracle therefore has been perceived as a system of database management with a high degree of effectiveness because its design has been tailored in a manner that it can potentially manage large data sizes in a setting surrounded by multiuser. This is an important feature in the database since a substantial number of users can comfortably and concurrently access same data and ensuring the delivery of an elevated platform.

Furthermore, Oracle has the potentials to offer effective solutions in terms of breakdown recovery. The design of Oracle facilitates addressing the needs of grid computing in an enterprise thus making it a flexible as well as cost effective means of information and applications management (Alhadi & Ahmad, 2012). The lifecycle aspect of database management system at Oracle comprises of physical as well as logical structures that are effectively tailored to prop up and relate to data storage and retrieval as the core functions of Oracle. The lifecycle of Oracle is a comprehensive one making it possible to offer solutions which facilitate for system management through automated processes (Alhadi & Ahmad, 2012).

As a result, time needed to work on manual activities of preliminary provisioning, the process of discovery, configuration management, patching and the contemporary change management is eliminated.  In addition, the lifecycle is associated with creation of an appropriate framework that makes compliance to regulations relating to management and reporting a great success.

Alternatives formal database system available to the organization

In the situation that an organization is not in a position of successfully implementing a formal database system, then an urgent alternative is needed. The organization will need to urgently undertake an evaluation of potential risk with the ultimate objective of identifying the level of risk that is associated with the information security in the organization. On successful completion of this process of risk appraisal, it is the responsibility of the organization to revisit the appropriate regulations and policies that relate to protection of data in the organization along with data integrity (Fairfield, 2004).  This is consequently followed by appropriate steps in developing amicable measures of security that will ensure that data is adequately protected from being compromised either accidentally or deliberately.

The most important consideration in this regard is organization and design of security measures that effectively protect the sensitive data of individuals that the organization holds through elimination of any factors with aptitudes for security breaches (Fairfield, 2004). The second most important consideration in mitigating the effects of an absence of formal database system in the organization involve clear stipulation of individuals and departments in the organization mandated in upholding information security. The organization may also take a third option of ensuring a strong support of procedures  as well as policies in physical and technical information security apparatus and entrusting qualified and reliable members of staff with such responsibilities. It is also in order for the organization to consider implementation of measures found applicable in responding to instances of information breaches effectively and timely.

References

Alhadi, N., & Ahmad, K. (2012). “Query tuning in oracle database”. Journal of Computer Science, 8(11), 1889-1896.

Fairfield, J. (2004). “Databases”. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, 5(12), 407–409.

Lundteigen, A. M., Rausand, M., & Utne, B. I. (2009). “Integrating RAMS engineering and management with the safety life cycle of IEC 61508”. Reliability Engineering & System   Safety, 94(12), 1894–1903.

Root, R., & Mason, C. (2012). Pro SQL server 2012 BI solutions.Apress.

Tarride, M. I. (2006). “A method for systems definition”. Kybernetes, 35(5), 680-687.