The Data Model Resource Book, Vol. 1: A Library of Universal Data Models for All Enterprises

by Len Silverston

A quick and reliable way to build proven databases for core business functions Industry experts raved about The Data Model Resource Book when it was first published in March 1997 because it provided a simple, cost-effective way to design databases for core business functions. Len Silverston has now revised and updated the hugely successful 1st Edition, while adding a companion volume to take care of more specific requirements of different businesses. This updated volume provides a common set of data models for specific core functions shared by most businesses like human resources management, accounting, and project management. These models are standardized and are easily replicated by developers looking for ways to make corporate database development more efficient and cost effective. This guide is the perfect complement to The Data Model Resource CD-ROM, which is sold separately and provides the powerful design templates discussed in the book in a ready-to-use electronic format. A free demonstration CD-ROM is available with each copy of the print book to allow you to try before you buy the full CD-ROM.

Genres: Technology, Programming, Technical

542 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2001

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, if you're having trouble falling asleep at night, read a few pages of this book before bed, and you're guaranteed to be a-snoring within just a few minutes... it's that dry.

On a more serious note, the book is seriously old and at times too simplistic. Can't blame the author though; the scope he's tackling is mind-boggling, and you can only fit so much into a book. I'm told there is also a companion CD (which, and I cannot stress that enough "IS LICENSED SEPARATELY"... you'll get this joke if you read the book), but I wasn't lucky enough to receive it with my copy.

So, if the book is old and boring, is it good for anything? Well, yes. If you ever find yourself in an unenviable situation where you have to design a whole database from scratch, in an area where you're not exactly an expert, this book is going to be your bible for the entirety of the project. At the very least it'll remind you about general areas you should be thinking about and hopefully prevent you from overlooking something important.

But if you're reading this book for general education or general curiosity, like I did, my advice is to put it back and instead go watch paint dry or something; it'll be far more thrilling.

[Benoit Blanchon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of book every developer should have!
To me, it's the equivalent of the GoF, but for database design.

However, I wish the author had spent more time reviewing the copy to make it more enjoyable to read: the text repeats itself frequently, sentences are way too long, and most phrases are in the passive form.
Nevertheless, even if the book is extremely dull, it contains information I could not find anywhere else.

In addition to learning how to design your database, you'll also see the most idiomatic words that apply to a specific business, which is especially useful when English is not your primary language.

[Adam Woroniec · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good resource for me, particularly Chapter 15 on Implementing the Universal Data Models. It clarifies an important distinction: a physical, implemented database can look different from the business's conceptual data model, while still accurately representing the same information. These differences often exist for performance or technical reasons. This book provided me sanity by affirming how these two models can appear different yet remain fundamentally aligned.