Database Architecture and Design

Modelling Tools

Under Construction

Casestudio 2

Casestudio 2 is a physical modelling package. [1CASE] Within the constraints of the target physical database it allows you to create a schema, tables, dictionaries, triggers, stored procedures etc. You can create declarative (referential) or programmatic (Triggers and Stored Procedures) integrity. Pricing $370 USD.

CS2 Issues

• Views: There is no on screen graphical creation of views. If you are trying to create a proper normalized design you really do need views to make implementation of the model easy. The views are created through a text procedure - CS2 generates the DML to create the views.
• Updates require you to manually choose your Data Definition Language) DDL (SQL) generation options. But if you need to move data because of your changes, you are on your own. For a price the higher end packages can add a utility to assist you in data model upgrades.
• The connector lines cannot be manipulated as easily as with the more expensive packages. An irritant they are working on.
• Good service and response times
• Willing to extend the product.

Erwin

Erwin has been around a while and is now owned by compyter associates. You can visit the CA web site or view this PDF brochure. I used this product several years ago. It was quite good. It allowed physical and logical models. Pricing = $4000USD range.

Erwin Issues

• A good high end package
• Expensive for small shops
• Aimed at high end databases and team development

ER Studio

Embarcadero produces ER Studio and a raft of tools for the database developer. It allows physical and logical models. Pricing $2000 and up.

ER Studio Issues

• A good high end package
• Expensive for small shops
• Aimed at high end databases and team development
• It does not support some of the smaller market DBMS's that I work with. Check the supported list (and the versions supported) very carefully if you have the same issue..
• MySQL 3.x, 4.x are supported - which is akin to using a sledgehammer to drive tacks - considering that MySQL could not be considered an RDBMS in your wildest fantasies.
• Does not support many small market databases. Interbase (Borland) and Postgress (Open Source/Unix) are notable omissions.

It does not support some of the DBMS's that I work with. Check the supported list (and the versions supported) very carefully.

Summary

All of the Database Modelling tools have their strengths and weaknesses. Do not assume that paying a higher price will get you the features you need. Case Studio 2 has some capabilities not possessed by the two more expensive packages. In some cases the ability to generate a model for a particular RDBMS is available only on Case Studio 2.

Notes

Casestudio 2: Since some would decalre it a conflict of interest I will admit that I assisted in writing the product manual for CS2. This came about when I purchased CS2 and found the manual frustrating to use. I offered to update it and correct the English. If you understand the limitations of the RDBMS target to which you are directing your efforts, and the limitations of the particular implementation of the Relational Model as realized by the DB vendor, CS2 can be quite useful - despite the limitation of offering only a physical model. Considering the low cost, CS2 can deliver very high value.

References:

Found a mistake? A broken link? Let the Webmaster know. Your assistance is always appreciated!.
Material Copyright © 2004 PMC

Updated January 27, 2005