Tool-based approach to distributed database design: includes Web-based forms design for access to academic affairs data

This paper describes a tool-based approach for designing and prototyping a distributed database application. This approach is demonstrated for an Academic Affairs Information System (AAIS) to assist the Webster University main campus and its 70+ remote sites in managing the information required to admit students, approve programs, schedule courses, assign faculty, register students, and generate the required queries and reports. ORACLE Relational Database Management (RDBMS) tools and products for Windows NT were used to support AAIS requirements analysis, design, and prototype implementation. The Designer/2000 Process Modeler tool was used to document the top-level business functions, and the Data Modeler tool was used to develop a third normal form data model. The Developer/2000 Forms tool was used to prototype several user interface forms for main campus staff, remote staff, and students to enter and update student and program data. A Web Server was also installed, along with the Java software and AppletViewer, to test the prototype forms from a Web Browser.