Re: What databases have taught me

From: mAsterdam <mAsterdam_at_vrijdag.org>
Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 20:58:02 +0200
Message-ID: <44a17f32$0$31641$e4fe514c_at_news.xs4all.nl>


Frans Bouma wrote:
[snip]

> Funny thing is that if you give 3 randomly chosen database architects
> (or whatever the f... some people want to call these people) the task
> to develop the RDM for a big hospital (so you end up with at least 700
> or so tables), you will definitely get 3 completely different models.

Is this from experience - did you see 3 actual models for a big hospital? Did you try to find out what was same, similar and different? I speculate that it is speculation.

It does not match my experience. I did some admittedly shallow comparisons of different data models in operation for different organizations in the same businesses (not hospitals). The similarities were striking, noted differences were accounted for.
I think this is because when you are in the same business, you have to deal with the same facts. If you don't you are in a niche.

> Which one is right? Which one is wrong? A matter of argumentation and
> discussion, not something you can test with a hardened testsuit you
> pull off the shelve. Is RM then an ambiguous technique?

Yes, I suspect it is - in theory more so than in practice. This is something that can actually be researched beyond the anekdotal level. Is anybody aware of such research?

-- 
"The person who says it cannot be done
should not interrupt the person doing it."
Chinese Proverb.
Received on Tue Jun 27 2006 - 20:58:02 CEST

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