A Semantic Database Management System: SIM

SIM is a database management system based on the semantic data model. The goal of this research project was the design and implementation of SIM. SIM, an abbreviation for Semantic Information Manager, uses a data model that thrives in capturing the meaning of the data more than other database models. Thus, this higher-level database model enables the database designer and the users to see a conceptual view of the database. This paper presents an overview of some of the benefits of the semantic data model and emphasizes how SIM incorporates the semantic data model. We describe how SIM overcomes some of the weaknesses of the other database modeling systems. Several SIM and SQL examples are also provided to illustrate this matter and serve as the basis for comparative analysis. We also discuss some implementation considerations and software tools used for design and implementation of SIM. Finally, we propose some hitherto unapplied uses and applications of SIM that have the potential to streamline current database systems. 1. Introduction Over the last few decades a number of data models have been developed. Numerous database management systems based on different data models have been made available for commercial use. Intuitively, we can acknowledge that different data models have their own strengths and shortcomings. The use of database management has also progressively evolved over the years ranging from organizational bookkeeping to complex topics such as bioinformatics. Relatively simple database models might be sufficient for organizational bookkeeping, but might fall short for applications that require complex relationships and rich constructs. We believe the semantic database model has significant advantages over some other database models for more complex data manipulation needs. Such advantages motivated us to undertake the research project of designing and implementing the Semantic Information Manager.