Introduction to Pathmaker

Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) Applications
Introduction to Pathmaker and Pathway
067867 Tandem Computers Incorporated 1–5
Prior to the advent of computers, business was conducted in a transaction fashion and
every transaction was accomplished from start to finish (that is, a bank deposit was
initiated and then immediately completed). When computers were introduced, many
transactions were gathered during the business day and later processed together.
Usually, this processing was performed in batches processed at regular intervals,
generally each evening after the close of business or perhaps twice a day.
Unfortunately, the batch approach produced a lag between the time a business event
occurred and the time it was recorded, making it impossible to get accurate, current
information at any time during the business day.
By contrast, online transaction processing is an evolutionary change in automated
information processing that allows data to be handled in a more timely way, allowing
the database to accurately reflect the business at any point in time.
Providing flexibility and immediacy, online transaction processing allows a computer
system to be integrated into the minute-by-minute operations of a business. In doing
so, vital information is processed instantly as each transaction occurs.
This approach dramatically improves the timeliness of business information and
enhances the decision-making capabilities of those who use and rely upon that
information.