Re: DBMS question??

>"May a modern DBMS system be used by staff without any formal training in >computer systems? Certainly! >If so, how so? If not, what is the minimal level of training required and how >may an organisation ensure staff maintain a level of expertise in an ever >changing technical situation? By Reading The "Friendly" Manuals. And by getting some formal training. Then by taking more training, reading forums like c.d.i. and technical publications, and by associating with other folks in the same boat at, for example, user group meetings and conferences. I really feel that any reasonably intelligent person can use the Informix OnLine products after only few weeks or so of reading the manuals, experimenting with the product, and attending the "intro"-level courses. Developing a large application is another matter, of course. So is any of the "bleeding edge" technological innovation that is going on, like using the web tools as an interface to a large data warehouse on a beta release operating system. (If you don't know what all that means, then my point is well made. :) ) One of the strengths of the Informix RDBMS engine is the thorough and very readable documentation. The "new" version of the manuals (gosh, have they really been out for several years?) include sections on basic relational database design, easy definitions of terms--with pictures, plenty of examples and a sample database to play with. It comes all ready to use, abuse, and learn with. The Informix training courses are the best way to "cement" this introduction into a coherent and applicable knowledge, with experience, of the products. Some of the courses assume a basic knowledge of Unix tools, which can present quite a learning curve in itself. Same with the system administration tasks associated with the hardware. The final result for any significant project will be an employee who is a de facto IS professional. He may wear the hats of the DBA, SysAdmin, developer, and end-user all at the same time. Be prepared, though, to devote the time and effort to make the project(s) a success. Alternatives include hiring an expert at the outset and bringing on a part-time consultant to help your people past the "sticky" parts. Sorry to get so long-winded. This topic could fill a book. Which reminds me! Go buy Joe Lumbley's "DBA Survival Guide" which has chapters on the "street smarts" required to run a database using Informix. It will be well worth your money. Good luck! ______________________________________________________ Clem Akins (aka clema@informix.com) Informix Software, Inc (Standard disclaimers apply) International Technical Support Last seen: Strolling thru North Sydney, "en commute"