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distributed database
distributed database A database in which the data is contained within a number of separate subsystems, usually in different physical locations. If the constituent subsystems are essentially similar, the system is said to be homogeneous, otherwise it is said to be heterogeneous. Distributed database systems may vary very considerably. At one extreme is the type where the complete system was conceived, designed, and implemented as a single entity; such systems exist within large commercial organizations and are usually homogeneous. At the other extreme is the case where a number of existing systems, originally planned as isolated systems, continue in their normal operation but in addition are loosely linked to provide a larger distributed system; in this instance the system is often heterogeneous.
Distributed database systems are currently an active topic for database research and development, largely because of the availability of national and international communication facilities. |
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JOHN DAINTITH. "distributed database." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN DAINTITH. "distributed database." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-distributeddatabase.html JOHN DAINTITH. "distributed database." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-distributeddatabase.html |
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distributed database
distributed database A database that is spread over a number of DATABASE SERVERS in a network. The main reason for distribution is that this allows parts of the database to be close to those users who have a frequent need for that data and hence reduces the transmission time that would be experienced if the data was held on a geographically remote server. There is a wide variety of sophisticated software available for such databases: one of the main characteristics of such software is that it ensures that the user is unaware that parts of the database might be spread around a network, effectively giving the impression that the data is stored on the CLIENT computer that is accessing it.
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Cite this article
DARREL INCE. "distributed database." A Dictionary of the Internet. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. DARREL INCE. "distributed database." A Dictionary of the Internet. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O12-distributeddatabase.html DARREL INCE. "distributed database." A Dictionary of the Internet. 2001. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O12-distributeddatabase.html |
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