Once a lesser-known category of software, databases have become a more and more important part of technical communication practice. Today databases often drive documentation collections, including content management systems and wikis. The most sophisticated databases tend to employ the SQL language.
#25373
Access a MySQL Database Behind Firewalls with the LibMyWitch Control
Till now there was no efficient way to embed the access to the MySQL database into a VB application.
Richter, Dirk. VBMySQL.com (2004). Articles>Information Design>Databases>SQL
#19486
At Oracle, Simplicity Rules All
To jump-start revenue growth, Mark Jarvis has insisted that simplicity be the foundation not only of Oracle's marketing but also of its product development. Programmers, salespeople, and marketing staff now work closely to satisfy real customer problems, not just deliver glitz. On Nov. 18, Mark Jarvis spoke with BusinessWeek Online Technology reporter Jane Black about his plans to improve Oracle's fortunes. Here are edited excerpts from that conversation.
BusinessWeek (2002). Articles>Usability>Databases>Software
#21934
Whether you know it or not, 'database publishing' probably describes some of what you do. Here's how to do it better!
Kvern, Olav Martin. Adobe Magazine (1996). Design>Document Design>Databases
#18814
Bibliographic Database Managers
Guides and handouts in bibliographic database management.
Herrling, Patricia. University of Wisconsin (2001). Resources>Bibliographies>Software>Databases
#31635
Build Custom Templates for Your Data-Driven Web Sites
Most developers dread dealing with HTML tables and cells to build their Web sites. For one thing, tables make it difficult to modify the site later or to change its appearance. Discover some basic techniques for writing Web sites that you can later re-skin by using templates during the site's initial creation. Also, learn why you should use data-driven techniques for your own Web sites.
Ramirez, Ken. IBM (2008). Articles>Web Design>Databases>SQL
#29628
Building a Database of Graphic Files Using Microsoft Access 
Many technical communicators manage large collections of graphic files and must keep track of which graphics are used in which deliverables. An effective tool for managing a collection of graphic files is a relational database management system (RDMS) such as Microsoft Access. Before the database can be built in Access, it is necessary to 1) create detailed functional requirements and 2) build a high-level conceptual model from which the database relations (tables) can be derived. A spreadsheet program can be used to build the conceptual model and generate the relations. Normalization checks should be performed on the relations before the database is implemented in Access.
Lowe, Richard B. STC Proceedings (2005). Articles>Information Design>Databases>Microsoft Access
#26226
Building the Treasure House: Creating Knowledge Bases for the World Wide Web
What is a knowledge base? What are the components necessary to build one?
Massa, Jack A. STC Orange County (1998). Presentations>Documentation>Information Design>Databases
#22656
Choosing the Right Database System
The Web-surfing public doesn't really care about flashy-yet-useless technology. They want Web sites that do something for them: provide a service or entertainment; help get a job or a date; check bank account balances, stock prices, interest rates, availability of airline tickets, today's weather ... and so on.
Dice, Richard. Webmonkey (1998). Design>Web Design>Databases>Personalization
#30755
Compleat Compliance: Due Diligence on Companies and Individuals 
Explains how recent legislation and the effects of corporate scandals have necessitated greater due diligence on companies and individuals. Gives details of relevant existing and forthcoming legislation and discusses how a due diligence process can ensure compliance with the law. Points out that prospective clients, employees and investors may all require investigation, and then reviews some of the information sources available for use in both corporate and individual investigations. Considers the impact of international developments, particularly in the light of increased merger and acquisition activity, and discusses some of the barriers to acquiring effective due diligence. Finally considers the applicability of selected commercial databases.
Ainsworth, Martin. Business Information Review (2007). Articles>Business Communication>Databases>Regulation
#25372
Connecting the MySQL GUI Tools to a Remote Server through a Firewall
A large percentage of MySQL users are using MySQL on a web server hosted by an ISP. Most hosting providers block port 3306 (the MySQL server port) at the firewall, preventing outside access to MySQL. This is an important security practice and you should be very concerned if your ISP does not block port 3306. In this article I will demonstrate how to connect the MySQL GUI tools, including MySQL Administrator and MySQL Query Browser, to a remote server using SSH port forwarding. This article will be written with the assumption that the reader is using Microsoft Windows, but the principles presented will be applicable to Linux users.
Hillyer, Mike. VBMySQL.com (2004). Articles>Information Design>Databases>SQL
#27195
Creating a Mail Merge Data Source
Microsoft Word supports many file formats which can be used as a Data Source for a mail merge. This article covers specifications and frequently asked questions on the most commonly used Data Sources, along with how to set up a Data Source in Word.
Melton, Beth. Word MVP Site, The (2005). Articles>Word Processing>Databases>Microsoft Word
#28508
Creating the Relationship-Centric Organization: Nonprofit CRM
Are you storing data about your constituents in three, five, even ten different databases? If so, you're not alone ' but it's costing you in time, lost revenue and decreased impact. Paul Hagen describes how to get all your data into one place with an integrated CRM strategy.
Hagen, Paul. IdealWare (2006). Articles>Information Design>Databases>CRM
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A decision support database that is maintained separately from the organization's operational database. Support information processing by providing a solid platform of consolidated, historical data for analysis.
GNULAMP (2005). Resources>Information Design>Databases
#30653
Database Management: Data Into Dollars
Imagine controlling your customers' information, including how it is updated, managed, printed and distributed. Printers that provide database management services don't have to dream about such a scenario.
Bauer, Chris. Printing Impressions (2006). Articles>Publishing>Databases
#27614
Database Modelling in UML - Part 1
When it comes to providing reliable, flexible and efficient object persistence for software systems, today's designers and architects are faced with many choices. From the technological perspective, the choice is usually between pure Object-Oriented, Object-Relational hybrids, pure Relational and custom solutions based on open or proprietary file formats (eg. XML, OLE structured storage). From the vendor aspect Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, POET and others offer similar but often-incompatible solutions. This article is about only one of those choices, that is the layering of an object-oriented class model on top of a purely relational database. This is not to imply this is the only, best or simplest solution, but pragmatically it is one of the most common, and one that has the potential for the most misuse.
Sparks, Geoffrey. Methods and Tools. Articles>Information Design>Databases>UML
#24997
Once you've built several MySQL databases, you'll learn some shortcuts to database design. Why stop there? Take this trick a step further and put together a generic database with a set of empty, standard tables. With a well-designed MySQL template, you can quickly assemble the basics of any database as needed. A template also allows you to focus on the more interesting aspects of a database project.
Dyer, Russell. O'Reilly and Associates (2004). Articles>Information Design>Databases>SQL
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Databases: Step-by-Step Guides to Using Databases
This detailed, inclusive database tutorial is designed for beginners and those ready to dive in. Easy-to-understand definitions, real-world anecdotes, and concrete examples set this site apart from the others.
#28569
Deployment of the MobiLink Synchronization Model Wizard in SQL Anywhere 10
This builds on the previous article, 'MobiLink Synchronization Wizard in SQL Anywhere 10.' The new Deployment Wizard in SQL Anywhere Server 10.0 makes it painless to deploy the model, a task which was script based and terse.
Krishnaswamy, Jayaram. DevShed (2006). Articles>Computing>Databases>SQL
#24065
Designing Lotus Notes Databases for Global Collaboration
Notes databases can provide versatile environments for developing and sharing knowledge globally through both client-based and Web-based applications. In this panel discussion we explore some of the issues facing information designers as they enable communication and collaboration in work groups. We will focus on how to determine if Notes is an optimal solution, how to translate information needs into effective design elements and functionalities in Notes, and how we can help ease the transition to the world of Notes for new users.
Knodel, Elinor L., Donald J. Green and Faye Smith. STC Proceedings (1999). Articles>Collaboration>Databases
#18827
Designing Relational Databases
The phrase database design means the set of steps, techniques, guidelines, and tools for translating a logical data model into a database specification. The database design consists of a structural representation, but may also include an integrity representation for rules enforcement. The structural representation is usually a database design diagram, from which you generate database-specific definitions. The integrity representation can take many forms from database specifications that define rule enforcements in the dbms layer, program specifications that define rule enforcements in object methods or other implementation, as well as specifications that define rule enforcement in a rules layer. Think of relational database design as a process for transforming the Logical Data Model into a relational database where the database design preserves the high quality properties of the Logical Data Model described in the book.
#27633
Designing Your Own XML Schema: Learn the Essentials
This is the first article in a series which guides you in designing XML Schemas right from the basics without any hurdles.
Chaterjee, Jagadish. Dev Articles (2006). Articles>Information Design>Databases>XML
#28043
Developing with Apache Derby -- Hitting the Trifecta
Along with creating a database schema and populating tables with data, being able to selectively modify data is one of the most important skills necessary for a database developer. This article teaches you how to selectively delete or update data in an existing table and how to modify the structure of an existing table. To perform data modifications on a more complex database schema, you'll learn about embedded subqueries, both scalar and table, with data update and data insert operations. You'll also find out how to delete and modify data in complex schemas using the Apache Derby database.
Brunner, Robert. IBM (2006). Design>Web Design>Server Side Includes>Databases
#28877
Digital Libraries: Still a Long Way to Go
Apart from implementing the right technology, libraries need a clear understanding of changing user requirements, the capabilities and limitations of emerging technologies, and the changing nature of scholarly communication.
Kudesia, Saurabh. International Journal for Technical Communication (2007). Articles>Information Design>Databases
#26262
Document your Database Project to Capture Relevant Info 
Documenting a database during its development is a best practice to ensure that the organizational schema, data objects, and other related information are captured for future reference.
Kelly, William T. Builder.com (2003). Articles>Project Management>Databases>Documentation
#25374
This article discusses writing software that helps the user effectively work with large amounts of data. The approach that I will describe is called filtering.
Rowe, Robert. VBMySQL.com (2004). Articles>Information Design>Databases
