Problem
Your neighbor Bob is a tree expert. After years of working for a large company, he has decided to go into business on his own, Bob's Trees. He asks you to help him understand what data he needs to keep about his customers and work and how to store it. Initially, he thinks his business will consists of many one-time operations (e.g., removing a tree or stump), as well as recurring services (e.g., trimming customers' trees every year or two). When business is slow, he will want to call former clients to remind them of his services and of the need to trim their trees on a regular basis.
A. Name and describe tables of data that Bob will need to run Bob's Trees. List the tables you would use in a relational database application and identify typical fields for each type of data (include primary and foreign keys.)
B. Could Bob use a spreadsheet to keep track of this data? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?
C. Using your answer to question A, give an example of two relationships that Bob needs to track. Show the keys and foreign keys for each.
D. Which of the following components of a database application is Bob likely to need: data entry forms, reports, queries, or application program? Explain one use for each that she needs.
E. Will this application be for one user or for multiple users? Will he need a personal DBMS or an enterprise DBMS? If a personal DBMS, which product will she use?