Next Steps of the Elaboration Phase

Before exploring the database persistence strategies, let's revisit the Unified Process. Figure 9-1 shows the process model, with the focus on the Elaboration Phase.

In this chapter we focus on the database activities within the Unified Process. In particular, the following workflows and activity sets are emphasized:

• Analysis and Design: Design Database

• Analysis and Design: Design Components

• Implementation: Structure the Implementation Model

• Implementation: Plan the Integration

• Implementation: Implement Components

A key artifact that is further embellished in this chapter is the Software Architecture Document (SAD). The particular aspects addressed deal with making the transition from the class diagram created for Remulak Productions to a design that can support a relational database. Microsoft SQL Server is our initial target, but we will also test the database against an Oracle implementation.

The database design, along with its transformation from the class diagram, is critical not only to the other layers that will request the services of the database, but also to the performance of the database in a production environment. In addition, we will have to look at software component design strategies to deal with the passing of information from the Data Translation Services layer back to the Business Rule Services layer.