Overview
The CS (Consistent State) Database Architecture Review is a fixed cost package that includes a detailed analysis of the customer's database from a data modeling and application usage perspective. This analysis involves a detailed review of the following components within the customers database(s):
- Application usage, data generation, application integration points, etc
- Data model / schema layout, data modeling best practices
- Analysis of OLTP vs DSS techniques
Recommendations are then presented which are geared towards the implementation of best practice data modeling and data flow management changes. These changes in turn should provide benefits which include:
- Scalability
- Long term performance
- Ease of database management
- Ease of expandability
The CS Database Architecture Review is a 3 week engagement as shown below:
Week 1 – Team Review
In week one we focus on meetings with the current DBA and application teas in order to gather as much information as possible in the following areas:
- Application work flow
- Application data generation
- Application database connectivity
- Database management issues / concerns
- Performance / scalability concerns
- Data integration points
- Reporting requirements
Week 2 – Schema Review
In week two we focus on a detailed analysis of the database schemas and access patterns. This generally involves a number of focus areas including:
- Reverse engineering of data models
- Identification of logical data sets and/or logical data groups
- Identification of system data flows
- Analysis of data relationships
- Analysis of data usage patterns and related relationships
- Identification of key areas of concern
- Identification of reporting/read-only components
- Identification of OLTP and Hybred components
Week 3 – Final Analysis and Generation of Recommendations
In week three we compile all of our collected data, Perform remaining analysis of the data including identifying relationships and/or cause & effect components across key research areas, review the results as a team and prepare the final report. Included in this process is a full staff review. Once the CS staff review is complete we compile the final report and organize the final recommendations. The final recommendation report is then presented to the client along with scope/cost estimates (and options) for implementing the recommendations. This allows the client to easily make an informed decision per what to tackle in house and what they may want us to assist with.