Stacks Of Data, And Nowhere To Store Them?

Ever tried looking for a particular paper in a stack of hundreds of papers two minutes before a meeting that might change your career?

A database would allow you to store your data and then retrieve it at anytime, just by entering a particular piece of information that identifies the data you require.

While I was complaining to my friend about how I was not only late for that meeting but also could not get the information that I needed, because I could not find the paper. He mentioned the words database, server and backup.

A technology that is composed of three main parts: a relational database management system, network manager and an HTTP server, would be an ideal solution to my problem. The relational database has the following features:

• It stores both, the files and the information about the files (meta-information) including timestamps.

• All data versions of all the files with their dates are stored in the database and ensure that every file is available safely, for recovery. Thus, enabling it to act as a version and revision storage facility.

• It allows the user to find files by name or a given date. Simply by setting the date or entering the file name to obtain a table of all files backed up, matching the selection.

• Any file in the tables of the database can be viewed and/or downloaded (restored).

• Viewing and retrieving individual files, is simply done by writing the name of the backed up file. If the file has been modified several times, all the versions will be accessible, with their dates.

• Access to the database is possible with browsers from any computer connected to the LAN.

• Over 150 file formats (mime types) can be stored and viewed in the database.

I was very intrigued by what he was saying and decided to try the new technology. And guess what?! Not only am I always five minutes early to every meeting, but I also got promoted to a higher position, my boss said it is because I am always prepared in advanced and that shows self discipline.