Data modeling using the rational data architect and Informix Dynamic server

Before you start

This section explains what this tutorial teaches and how to derive maximum benefit from it.

About this tutorial

This tutorial describes the various features in RDA and explains how to use RDA with IDs. Learn how to generate physical models from a database by reverse engineering, transform business requirements into (logical and physical) models, and correlate domain elements to help identify important and confidential information in an IDS database.

Goal

In this tutorial, learn how to:

Connect IDS Server

To generate a new physical model from an existing database by reverse engineering

To create a physical database schema from a logical model

Modify the existing logical model and apply the modification to the database

Maintain consistency and quality of data by connecting domain models and databases

Prerequisite

This tutorial assumes that the reader understands the basics of the Informix database server and has a basic understanding of how to use eclipse based tools. If you want to learn about the background of Eclipse based tools, you can read the Eclipse platform overview included with the RDA Welcome page.

System Requirements

Requires a system running WINDOWS®XP or Windows vista®, and the system should have approximately 1GB of disk space to install RDA and IDs. In this tutorial, I use the Informix Dynamic Server version 11.10.tc2 and RDA version 7.5. This tutorial uses the Superstores_demo database, which is created by the Dbaccessdemo9 script in the Informixdir\bin directory.

Use RDA for Informix Dynamic server

Introduction to Rational Data Architect

IBM Rational Data Architect (RDA) is a collaborative data-design solution that discovers and models, correlates, and standardizes disparate data assets. RDA is a basic tool in any enterprise Data environment. It has the following advantages:

Improve data quality and consistency by providing the following features:

The logical data model is established and reused, and the logical model is used as the semantic basis of enterprise architecture.

Automate certain data design tasks, such as physical design that generates a data source based on logical design; RDA supports a variety of data environments, including DB2, Informix, Oracle, Microsoft, Sybase, and MySQL.

Reverse engineering generates physical models from existing database schemas, contrasting and synchronizing data models.

Analyze and implement enterprise naming and data element definition criteria.

Generate a name that conforms to the standard by creating a rule.

Import Business Glossary or integrate with WebSphere Business glossary.