database architecture

Network/Hierarchical model databases use record pointers that provide direct links between tables. Files are related through sets that define the parent-child relationships. The sets use pointers stored in each record to quickly navigate through data files. Leading vendors of Hierarchical/Network DBMS systems are IDMS and IMS.

The relational model consists of a relational structure. The relational structure is based on the representation of data in the form of tables. A table contains rows and columns, with each row representing an individual record, and each column representing a field for each record. Tables are related via inderect indexes of primary and foreign keys. Leading vendors of Relational DBMS systems are Oracle, Microsoft and IBM.

In the object-oriented model, data exists in objects that include both data and the data's behaviors. The database structure is defined by objects that possess the qualities of persistence, polymorphism and inheritance.