Software Product Description ________________________________________________________________ PRODUCT NAME: DEC RdbExpert for VMS, Version 1.0 SPD 31.72.00 DESCRIPTION DEC RdbExpert is a DECwindows and command-line-based expert system database tuning tool that is designed to reduce the time and effort required to produce tuned VAX Rdb/VMS physical database storage designs. DEC RdbExpert is intended to help database designers and administrators during the initial design and subsequent maintenance phases of database development. DEC RdbExpert should expand the tuning capabilities of less experienced database administrators while improving overall DBA tuning productivity. DEC RdbExpert gathers information of importance encompassing logical level input related to physical design. DEC RdbExpert bases its design recommendations on this logical schema infor- mation, as well as the system environment, database record vol- umes, and transaction workload information. DEC RdbExpert makes extensive use of import functions which enables users to quickly provide the required data. For example, DEC RdbExpert can im- port DECtrace transaction workload data captured directly from running VAX Rdb/VMS databases for use in the design process, thus creating designs based upon the actual workload executing against existing databases. The DBA then reviews this input and modifies it where necessary to ensure that it is an accurate reflection of the actual run-time requirements. DEC RdbExpert generates storage designs in the form of the SQL Data Definition Language statements for VAX Rdb/VMS. It also generates executable storage design creation procedures as well as the VAX Rdb/VMS RMU/LOAD and UNLOAD scripts used to unload existing data and reload it into the redesigned database. In DIGITAL December 1990 AE-PB8YA-TE DEC RdbExpert for VMS, Version 1.0 SPD 31.72.00 addition, DEC RdbExpert generates design reports to educate the DBA about the design process and the database tuning rules. The DEC RdbExpert knowledge base is cognizant of the VAX Rdb/VMS database system internals, tuning rules, and run-time optimizer heuristics. DEC RdbExpert uses this knowledge to help the DBA arrive at the performance tuned design. Features DEC RdbExpert provides a DECwindows interface, taking advantage of the advanced user interface capabilities of that environ- ment. DEC RdbExpert also provides a full-function, command-line interface for non-DECwindows environments. Using DEC RdbExpert, a database designer/administrator can: o Import VAX Rdb/VMS database schemas into the DEC RdbExpert design repository o Enter the database transaction workload information by one or more of the following methods: - Using workload information captured by DECtrace - Through a text file containing the VAX SQL like Physical Design Language (PDL) created by the DBA - Through SQL MODULE language files - Through the DECwindows interface o View and edit the workload data modifying or entering cycle, frequency, and importance information for the various work- load elements of the database applications, that is, appli- cations, programs, and transactions with their accompanying data manipulation language (DML) requests o Enter the database volume and occurrence information by one or more of the following methods: - From the VAX Rdb/VMS root file and tables 2 DEC RdbExpert for VMS, Version 1.0 SPD 31.72.00 - Through a text file containing the volume information created by the DBA - Through the DECwindows interface o Apply volatility ratings - how frequently the data is added, modified, or deleted, to the schema at both the relation (record) and column (field) levels o Define system environment for the target database o Catalog multiple logical designs, each with one or more physical designs associated with it o Generate the design reports that identify the input assump- tions and design information for the recommended parameters and database design as well as educate the user regarding the design rules and choices o Create VAX Rdb/VMS physical designs consisting of SQL physi- cal DDL, and creation and run-time parameters, as well as the .COM procedure to execute these designs o Create RMU/UNLOAD - LOAD scripts to unload and load the VAX Rdb/VMS data into the redesigned databases HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS VAX, MicroVAX, VAXserver, or VAXstation configuration as speci- fied in the System Support Addendum (SSA 31.72.00-x). SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS For Systems Using Terminals (No DECwindows Interface): o VMS Operating System o VAX Rdb/VMS (Run-Time Option) The Run-Time software is required for DEC RdbExpert to create and access its physical design repository. For Workstations Running DECwindows: 3 DEC RdbExpert for VMS, Version 1.0 SPD 31.72.00 o VMS Operating System (and necessary components of VMS DECwin- dows). o VAX Rdb/VMS (Run-Time Option) The Run-Time software is required for DEC RdbExpert to create and access its physical design repository. Refer to the System Support Addendum (SSA 31.72.00-x) for avail- ability and required versions of prerequisite/optional software and for information regarding components of VMS DECwindows. ORDERING INFORMATION Software Licenses: QL-VFJA*-** Software Media: QA-VFJA*-** Software Documentation: QA-VFJAA-GZ Software Product Services: QT-VFJA*-** * Denotes variant fields. For additional information on avail- able licenses, services and media, refer to the appropriate price book. SOFTWARE LICENSING This software is furnished under the licensing provisions of Digital Equipment Corporation's Terms and Conditions. For more information about Digital's licensing terms and policies, con- tact your local Digital office. LICENSE MANAGEMENT FACILITY SUPPORT This layered product supports the VMS License Management Facil- ity. License units for this product are allocated on a CPU-capacity basis. 4 DEC RdbExpert for VMS, Version 1.0 SPD 31.72.00 For more information on the License Management Facility, refer to the VMS Operating System Software Product Description (SPD 25.01.xx) or the License Management Facility manual of the VMS Operating System documentation set. For more information about Digital's licensing terms and poli- cies, contact your local Digital office. SOFTWARE PRODUCT SERVICES A variety of service options are available from Digital. For more information, contact your local Digital office. SOFTWARE WARRANTY Warranty for this software product is provided by Digital with the purchase of a license for the product as defined in the Software Warranty Addendum of this SPD. [TM] The DIGITAL Logo, DECwindows, VAX Rdb/VMS, VAX, MicroVAX, VMS, VAXserver and VAXstation are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation. 5