Text storage and retrieval in the ORACLE relational database management system: design study and intended applications

Abstract

A requirement has been recognised for some time for database software which provides both formatted data and free text management facilities. Applications in storage and retrieval of accounting data of market research presentations, and of catalogues of books, maps, drawings, and engineering components are identified. A joint development project between British Telecom New Information Services and Oracle Corporation UK Ltd will add text features to the established ORACLE relational database, and the scope of this system and the design approaches chosen are described.

Selection of a text retrieval system in two user environments

“…An example of this is the availability of variable-length fields. There has been considerable research on the incorporation of text handling into ORACLE [15]. Although marked improvements were described, it was concluded that, on a large scale, only specialised text retrieval packages are likely to be cost-effective.…”

SAGIS: a proposal for a Sardinian Geographical Information System and an assessment of alternative implementation strategies

“…Unfortunately, the current GIS developments are well suited to R.DBMS structures but have a long way to go in the integration of document databases. Relational database producers, such as ORACLE, are currently releasing software which is starting to integrate text retrieval capabilities, but further developments are required before full functionality is achieved [1]. The SAGIS design is placed within this difficult boundary area between R.DBMS, FTX and ITX systems.…”