SQL/MX 3.2.1 Management Manual (H06.26+, J06.15+)

1 Introduction to SQL/MX Database Management
This section provides an introduction to managing an SQL/MX database. For more information
about managing an SQL/MP database, see the SQL/MP Installation and Management Guide.
NOTE: The HP NonStop SQL/MX Release 3.1 Installation and Management Guide is consolidated
with HP NonStop SQL/MX Release 3.1 Migration Manual and is split into two manuals:
• HP NonStop SQL/MX Release 3.2 Installation and Upgrade Guide—Starting with SQL/MX
Release 3.2, information related installation and upgrade of SQL/MX is available in this
manual.
• HP NonStop SQL/MX Release 3.2 Management Manual—The contents related to management
of an installed SQL/MX database is included in this manual.
Managing an SQL/MX relational database typically involves managing sets of continuously active
programs, as well as the database itself. In this environment, you will need to add new applications
and disk volumes and repair or change existing applications, all without affecting other applications
currently running on your system.
This section addresses these topics:
• “SQL/MX Database Features” (page 19)
• “Naming Database Objects” (page 22)
• “SQL/MX Metadata” (page 23)
• “SQL/MX Database Object Types” (page 24)
• “The SQL/MX Environment” (page 26)
• “Database Management Tasks” (page 27)
• “SQL/MX Database Management Tools” (page 27)
In this manual, the descriptions of managing a database are based on these assumptions about
the database environment at your site:
• An application includes database components (tables, indexes, and views) and the programs
that access the database. Database definitions, configuration, and distribution can significantly
affect application performance. An SQL/MX database that contains SQL/MX tables, SQL/MP
tables, or both, is an integral part of an application.
• The database is a production database, not a test database. The database must be consistent,
accurate, and available.
• Application development is ongoing. New or changed applications need to be integrated
with existing applications.
• Central database management is required. The database management tasks might be
performed by groups of people, but these tasks should be administered by a single person or
group.
The database management environment for NonStop SQL/MX includes:
• The SQL/MX relational database management system (RDBMS)
• Database management tools
SQL/MX statements, SQL/MX utilities, and SQL/MX conversational interface (MXCI)
commands
◦
◦ Guardian and HP NonStop Open System Services (OSS) utilities
◦ HP products for database security, conversion, and reorganization
18 Introduction to SQL/MX Database Management