Re: Database model/design/implementation tool?

Paul Mailman wrote: > > We are looking for software to assist in database design. The package would > allow interactive development of a database model, entity relationships, etc.; > ideally generate required SQL code for implementation; provide database model > documentation (e.g. ER diagrams). > > Our immediate need is for something that works with Informix SE under Unix, > although a program that has the flexibility to support a variety of back-end > platforms would be a plus. Win95-compatible front end preferred. > > Suggestions from users and information from vendors are welcome. Email to > pamailman@qed.com appreciated. Check out a tool called Infomodeler from ConQuer Data. Conquer recently spun off from Asymetrix, and you can still reach them through Asymetrix (800) 448-6543. Infomodeler (IM) supports Object Role Modeling (ORM), which I have found to be a very good method for designing databases. The information that you capture using Object Role Modeling is much more complete than what you can capture with IDEF1X (which is the method that ERwin is based on). ERwin's management of the physical database (e.g. trigger templates, etc) is more developed and robust than IM's, but I have found that the really big problems stem from a poor initial design, and IDEF1X (and the tools based on it) can't hold a candle to ORM when it comes to conceptual design. Thanks, Bill MacLean