Information Modeling and Relational Databases

Information Modeling and Relational Databases, Second Edition, provides an introduction to ORM (Object-Role Modeling)and much more. In fact, it is the only book to go beyond introductory coverage and provide all of the in-depth instruction you need to transform knowledge from domain experts into a sound database design. This book is intended for anyone with a stake in the accuracy and efficacy of databases: systems analysts, information modelers, database designers and administrators, and programmers.

Terry Halpin, a pioneer in the development of ORM, blends conceptual information with practical instruction that will let you begin using ORM effectively as soon as possible. Supported by examples, exercises, and useful background information, his step-by-step approach teaches you to develop a natural-language-based ORM model, and then, where needed, abstract ER and UML models from it. This book will quickly make you proficient in the modeling technique that is proving vital to the development of accurate and efficient databases that best meet real business objectives.

• Presents the most indepth coverage of Object-Role Modeling available anywhere, including a thorough update of the book for ORM2, as well as UML2 and E-R (Entity-Relationship) modeling
• Includes clear coverage of relational database concepts, and the latest developments in SQL and XML, including a new chapter on the impact of XML on information modeling, exchange and transformation
• New and improved case studies and exercises are provided for many topics

Dr. Terry Halpin, is a Principal Scientist at LogicBlox, headquartered in Atlanta, USA, and a Professor at INTI International University, Malaysia. After many years in academia, he worked on data modeling technology at Asymetrix Corporation, InfoModelers Inc., Visio Corporation, and Microsoft Corporation, before returning to academia as Distinguished Professor at Neumont University (Utah, USA), and then once again returning to industry at LogicBlox and also taking a professorship at INTI. His research focuses on conceptual modeling and conceptual query technology. Dr. Halpin is the recipient of the DAMA International Academic Achievement Award and the IFIP Outstanding Service Award. He is a member of IFIP WG 8.1 (Design and Evaluation of Information Systems), is an editor or reviewer for several academic journals and international program committees, has co-chaired several international workshops on modeling, and has presented at dozens of international conferences in both industry and academia. For many years, his research has focused on conceptual modeling and conceptual query technology for information systems, using a business rules approach. His doctoral thesis formalized Object-Role Modeling (ORM/NIAM), and his publications include over 160 technical papers, and six books, including Information Modeling and Relational Databases, Second Edition, Elsevier/Morgan Kaufmann.

Dr. Tony Morgan is a British computer scientist, data modeling consultant, and Professor in Computer Science at INTI International University, Malaysia. Dr. Morgan obtained his BA in Earth Sciences from The Open University, his BSc in Computer Systems Engineering from Coventry University, where in 1984 he also obtained his MSc in Control Engineering. In 1988 he obtained his PhD in Computer Science from University of Cambridge with a thesis on automated decision-making using qualitative reasoning. Dr. Morgan has done extensive work in industry with companies such as Unisys, EDS, and other corporations across transport, aerospace, government, and financial services, including the UK’s National Computing Centre in Manchester. Dr. Morgan has published several articles on AI and simulation. In 2003 he was appointed Professor of Computer Science and Vice President of Enterprise Informatics at Neumont University, Utah, USA. His research interests focus on business rules and business processes and the rapid development of high-quality information systems. Along with Dr. Halpin, he is the co-author of Information Modeling and Relational Databases, Second Edition, Elsevier/Morgan Kaufmann.