Distributed Database Design Using Multiple Criteria: A New Method

The purpose of this paper is two-fold: (1) to present a new methodological framework for the design of database architectures in a distributed database environment using multiple criteria, and (2) to provide support for the Defense Information Systems Agency’s (DISA) guidelines in the segmentation of databases for use by DoD systems and programs. The first problem considered addresses design options in the partitioning of a single large database into multiple, smaller database segments. The second problem considers multiple data sources and determines a preferred subset of these to form a single, composite, virtual database while satisfying requirements and multiple criteria. The structured approach considered here is that of non-linear, zero-one mathematical programming (MP) to yield insight into the choice of designs possible given a set of system requirements and criteria.