Predicitive Approach for Database Schema Evolution

Abstract

Information systems, including their core databases need to meet changing user requirements and adhere to evolving business strategies. Traditional database evolution techniques focus on reacting to change to smoothly perform schema evolution operations and to propagate corresponding updates to the data as effectively as possible. Adopting such a posteriori solution to such changes generates high costs in human resources and financial support. We advocate an alternate solution: a predictive approach to database evolution. In this approach, we anticipate future changes during the standard requirements analysis phase of schema development. Our approach enables potential future requirements to be planned for, as well as the standard, determining what data is to be stored and what access is required. This preparation contributes significantly in the ability of the database schema to adapt to future changes and to estimate their relative costs.