Loading Using RDBMS-Specific Strategies FAQS

1. What are RDBMS-specific strategies for loading data?
•  RDBMS-specific strategies are built-in features provided by certain database systems to transfer data across different servers or load data into tables. These mechanisms can include:
• Oracle: Uses database links.
• Microsoft SQL Server: Uses linked servers.
• IBM DB2 400: Uses DRDA file transfer.
• Other databases may have specific features like Oracle’s External Table for loading data.
2. When should I use RDBMS-specific strategies for data loading?
•  You should use these strategies when you need to transfer data between different databases or servers within the same RDBMS. These methods are especially useful for integrating data across heterogeneous systems or when you need efficient, direct access to remote data sources.
3. How do Oracle’s database links work in data loading?
•  Database links in Oracle allow you to connect two Oracle databases across servers, enabling data transfer between them. You can use these links to query and load data from a remote Oracle database into the local one.
4. What are linked servers in Microsoft SQL Server?
•  Linked servers in SQL Server allow you to connect to other SQL Server instances or other types of databases (such as Oracle or DB2) and run queries against them. You can use linked servers to transfer data between these systems.
5. What is DRDA file transfer in IBM DB2 400?
•  DRDA (Distributed Relational Database Architecture) file transfer in IBM DB2 400 enables data transfer between DB2 systems. It allows for communication between remote DB2 systems, facilitating the movement of data across distributed environments.
6. How does Oracle’s External Table feature help in data loading?
•  External Tables in Oracle allow data files (such as flat files or CSV) to be treated as if they are actual tables. This feature enables data to be queried directly from the file and loaded into the database without needing to first load the data into an intermediary staging area.
7. What are the steps involved when using an RDBMS-specific strategy for data loading?
•  The steps typically include:

1.               Set up the connection between the source and target systems (e.g., using database links or linked servers).

2.               Create necessary objects (views, links, servers) as required by the RDBMS.

3.               Execute the transfer commands to move data from the source to the target system.

4.               Load the data into the staging area or target system.

5.               Clean up any created objects after the process completes.

8. Can Knowledge Modules (KMs) automate the RDBMS-specific strategies?
•  Yes, Knowledge Modules (KMs) automate the setup and execution of these RDBMS-specific strategies. They create the necessary objects (like views or database links) and execute the correct commands to facilitate data transfer.
9. Are there any challenges with using RDBMS-specific strategies?
•  One potential challenge is that these mechanisms might require special configurations or access rights across different database servers. Additionally, if not configured properly, the transfer process might be slower or encounter errors.
10. Can I use these strategies with non-RDBMS sources?
•  These strategies are specific to RDBMS systems and may not be applicable to non-RDBMS sources such as flat files or applications. For non-RDBMS sources, other methods like flat file loading or API-based integration would be used.