The process of identifying and selecting a data access technology is based on careful consideration of several factors, including the capabilities of each data access method. In the two exercises in this activity, you will identify the potential data stores to be used within the Ferguson and Bardell, Inc. system and the factors that need to be considered when choosing the system s data access technology. | Activity Selecting Data Access Technologies The process of identifying and selecting a data access technology is based on careful consideration of several factors including the capabilities of each data access method. In the two exercises in this activity you will identify the potential data stores to be used within the Ferguson and Bardell Inc. system and the factors that need to be considered when choosing the system s data access technology. Objectives After completing this activity you will be able to List the primary considerations for choosing a data access technology. Evaluate potential data access issues and choose the appropriate data access method for a given scenario. Before You Begin This activity is completed individually with a class discussion following each exercise. Time to complete this activity 30 minutes Scenario Ferguson and Bardell Inc. s new time-entry system is used to keep track of hourly schedules for employees. Consultants enter timesheet information that is stored in Microsoft SQL Server version and accessed using both a Web interface and a custom application. Ferguson and Bardell Inc. s 620 traveling consultants enter time on a weekly basis with an average of four time entries per day. Ultimately this data is fed into the AS 400 DB2 accounting system and the proprietary invoicing system. A reporting system pulls client information accounts receivable and accounts payable data from an AS 400 DB2 database and invoicing data from a proprietary database that supports only ODBC connections and stores the information for customized reports in SQL Server version . Managers and administrative assistants who use Microsoft Windows NT Workstation run reports. 48 Activity Selecting Data Access Technologies The consultants have laptops and can use either the Web-based system or the custom application over the Internet to view and update information. The Webbased application is used mainly for lookups and quick entry of information. .
