Introduction to Data Management

Preface
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This manual introduces the Tandem data management products. These products help
you create, manipulate, and maintain information in distributed relational databases.
They include:
NonStop SQL distributed relational database management system
ENSCRIBE database record manager and its related products: Data Definition
Language (DDL), ENABLE program generator, and ENFORM query language and
report generator
PATHMAKER online application code generator
PATHWAY transaction processing system and its allied software: PATHAID
interactive screen builder, SCREEN COBOL compiler, and SCREEN COBOL
Utility Program (SCUP)
Transaction Monitoring Facility (TMF)
Remote Duplicate Database Facility (RDF)
For each product, this manual describes the purpose, features, capabilities, and major
concepts. The manual also explains how the products relate to each other and gives a
general idea of how you apply them. But, since this is an introductory book, it does
not discuss detailed tasks or step-by-step operating procedures.
This manual serves as a gateway into the other manuals that cover Tandem data
management products. Those manuals include more detailed introductions, user
guides, and reference manuals. You will find them all listed in the Summary of
Technical Publications—Manuals and Related Products.
This manual is intended for anyone seeking a broad overview of the data
management products. You will find it helpful whether you are a system manager, a
system or application programmer, an analyst, or an operator. In particular, you
should read this manual before any others on the data management products if you
are using these products for the first time.
You need only a minimal understanding of computer software technology, database
management techniques, and the Tandem hardware and software architecture to
understand the ideas presented in this manual. If you are unfamiliar with the
Tandem architecture, you can learn about it by reading Introduction to Tandem NonStop
Systems or by taking one of the Tandem courses on this subject.