ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some of the new requirements and approaches to data modeling and database management by examining the weaknesses of database management system (DBMS) that lead to the new requirements. There are two main approaches to implementing an object-oriented DBMS. The first approach involves extending conventional DBMSs to include object-oriented concepts. The second approach involves the extension of an object-oriented programming language, such as Smalltalk, to handle data structures that are independent of the programs and that have a stable and continued existence over time rather than only during the execution of a program. One related source causing the demand for a new generation of DBMSs is the increase in the popularity of multimedia and imaging technology. New methods using object identify, object typing, object assembly, inheritance, and encapsulation allow DBMSs to overcome their current limitation and manage complex data. The next generation of DBMSs should allow the definition of operations in conjunction with the data structures.
