Database systems: Database administration system — Architecture and design issues

The Database Administration System (DBAS) is a software system designed for the Bell Operating Companies to administer several remote, on-line, call-processing-related databases. These remote databases include, for example, the Billing Validation Application files associated with mechanized calling card service, and support for the Automatic Intercept Centers. Briefly, DBAS accepts service-order inputs and forwards them to other databases. DBAS serves as a buffer between the high-speed, real-time-sensitive billing validation applications and low-speed, nonuniform, service-order inputs. DBAS also provides an on-line database to support various administrative functions for the Bell Operating Companies. The major challenge to the DBAS design lies in the size of the database (up to 12-million telephone station records) and its throughput update volume (up to 100,000 random updates per 10-hour day).