Page 491 - Computer_Science_F5

Computer Science Parallel database systems and consistency despite geographical
Parallel database systems enhance distribution.
performance by parallelizing operations
like data retrieval, updates, and indexing. This is like a library system with branches
Tasks are divided into smaller parts and across a city, each operating independently
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executed simultaneously across multiple but sharing information to ensure data
processors in the same computer, consistency across all branches.
allowing multiple queries or parts of a
single query to be processed at once. In Tanzania, the National Identification
This results in faster data processing Authority (NIDA) uses a distributed
and better resource utilization, making database to manage National ID data
parallel DBMS crucial for high- from different locations. This ensures
volume and complex queries in big data data is accurate and available in real-
analytics, Online Transaction Processing time across the country. For example,
Systems (OLTP) systems, and real-time if a citizen updates their information
applications. A good example on parallel at a local NIDA office, the changes are
database system is like a group project immediately updated in the system,
where each member works on different making the latest information available
sections simultaneously, completing the for ID verification anywhere in Tanzania.
project faster than if done sequentially.
Case in Tanzania: The E-Government
Agency (eGA) uses parallel database Activity 8.14:
systems to handle large volumes of data The village water systems – a
for public services. When citizens access parallel and distributed systems
services like paying utilities or taxes, Aim:
parallel processing manages multiple
requests efficiently, improving service To understand the concepts and
delivery and user experience. benefits of parallel and distributed
database systems through a real-world

Distributed Database Systems simulation.
Distributed databases spread data across
multiple locations connected via a network, Materials:
ensuring data accessibility and consistency Cards (or pieces of paper) with tasks
across all sites. Systems like MongoDB and questions; timers or stopwatches; a
are used for high availability, scalability, map of Tanzania (or a fictional region)
and performance in applications such divided into several areas; Markers or
as e-commerce, social media, and real- tokens; and A simple “database schema”
time analytics. A distributed DBMS related to water usage tracking (such as
manages data across a dispersed network, reading meters, tracking water quality,
providing high performance, reliability, scheduling maintenance).

482
for Advanced Secondary Schools

Computer Science Form 5.indd 482 23/07/2024 12:35