Re: Case Tools

i recently did a db modelling tool evaluation where i compared 4 tools: Deft, IDE's IM, Silverrun and ERwin. i got all 4 tools in house and did the same db design using all 4 tools. i had a list of criteria, two of the most important being 1) automated (as much as possible) normalization and 2) being able to integrate new models or changes to an existing model. My evaluation resulted in Silverrun far surpassing the others, partly for its excellance in those 2 criteria. Silverrun actually has an "AI-like" Expert mode that prompts you with questions that guarrantee 3rd normal form; it also has excellent integration functionality. i would rate ERwin 2nd, DEFT 3rd, and IM last. Silverrun is not cheap, about $8k for ERX, RDM and a Sybase bridge. This is less than IM, ~$15k, but more than ERwin or DEFT. though the high price of Silverrun is more than made up for the time that you will save using it. it takes quite a long time to learn to use it mostly because it has so much functionality; but, once you become proficient in it you will be very productive. also, note that a design tool is only as good as the methodology that you use with it. my reference is "the handbook of relational database design", von Halle, Addison-Wesley, 1989.