There are many approaches to using a database from an internet application. Consencis takes the very narrow view that provides the best stability and security. The best requires that access to the database be only through through parameterized stored procedures. Stored procedures offer the best performance and security for your applications. Parameterized input offers additional protection against injection techniques used by attackers. When all access is via stored procedure the application can be distributed with user ids only capable of executing procedures.

The design of the database is critical. Third normal form is the industry standard for OLTP and ConsenCIS agrees that a properly normalized database offers the best combination of flexibility and performance. Sometimes it is hard to believe that all those narrow tables really offer the best performance but when you understand a little more about the database software architecture it starts to make sense.

Using Views makes it easy to resolve some of the application issues raised by normalization. Views make it easy to implement certain effectivity schemes at the table level. User functions can handle even more complicated cases than views.

Abstraction in the design improves application flexibility. Reusable abstract design patterns speed development. Using reusable analysis patterns assures that common business situations are fully considered in the design. Patterns drive the primary objects and relationships defined in the ConsenCIS database. Primary objects conform to certain standards. For example, they are each members of a type which governs how they are processed. They are each effective dated and are not deleted in normal transaction processing, just expired. Hard deletes are reserved for administrative processes tied to backup operations. Relationships among primary objects similarly conform to a set of design standards. History can be recovered to a point in time. This should give you some insight into the details we've considered and mastered so you never have to give them a thought.

Database administration is another ConsenCIS strength. We'll define a backup and recovery plan that works for your business. We protect your data in the event of hardware failures, erroneous entries and natural disasters (read the Katrina pages if you want to know more about disasters).