Difference between revisions of "DbDIPview"
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Revision as of 12:20, 15 June 2021
Description
dbDIPview provides simultaneous access to multiple archived databases for non-technical end-users in the electronic reading rooms. To the archivist, it offers a way to work with Representation Information. It deals with:
- - representation information that supplements original database data packages,
- - automatic deployment of database packages (data objects) and related access packages, including redaction
- - access mechanism to the database via a browser menu with report selection and search screen for a selected database that mimics the original application.
Licensing and cost
Free/open-source EUPL-1.2
Development activity
dbDIPview has been initially created in 2009 and is continuously being improved to cover requirements by new use cases in the area of long‐term preservation of databases.
Platform and interoperability
Linux, PHP, Apache2, PostgreSQL
Functional notes
Before export from the original environment is started, no modification of the data is needed, like de-normalization or the creation of additional views. This is important to ensure data integrity and authenticity.
A database can be stored in SIARD or dbDIPview packaging (based on CSV) format. Complex combinations of data packages are possible.
In the SIP/AIP Audit Phase in the archives, an expert needs to validate the content. For the archivist, the most convenient way is to use a dissemination package. During the validation process, database queries are prepared to show the content of the tables in the same way it is shown in the reports from the original environment. The queries are written in pure (portable) SQL and are stored in long-term storage as part of the Representation Information Package. The queries can be prepared using the information provided by the creator, using some dedicated query builder, or simply manually. When a basic query is ready, the search criteria panel including drop-down fields, and drill down behaviour can be configured. The test serves as proof that the information in the database is well understood, described for future use and is ready for dissemination.
Upon request by an end-user, the order fulfilment process enables that packages are transferred to the dedicated dbDIPview server. There, the information in the database Representation Information Package enables seamless automated deployment of data package(s) of the archived database data objects and setting up of the rendering module. Automated database redaction and creation of additional views are possible at this stage. The user can be redirected via a unique code directly to the menu with queries for the desired database.
When dissemination is not needed anymore, the database can be removed, or it remains available as persistent DIP (DIPp).
Documentation and user support
Demonstration examples are included with sample databases and related Representation Information.
Usability
End-users interact with the system through a browser user interface and work with the accessible databases. The hierarchical reports menu enables selection between available reports to access the information without the assistance of an expert. In the results pane, drill-down links to further reports may be available based on column values. BLOB data and external files may be shown. Additional metadata can be shown with each report to provide a detailed description of the given report.
Expertise required
Basic knowledge of Linux system administration is needed for initial installation and configuration. Familiarity with basic SQL commands and an understanding of database structure is needed to configure the viewer. No special skills are required for the end-user.
Standards compliance
dbDIPview uses its XML schema for storing information about the queries, and its format for packaging the Representation Information Package and optional CSV package. The queries should not use any SQL dialect to minimize compatibility issues with a target database.
Influence and take-up
The tool is in production use.
User Experiences
Some details of database data rendering: https://github.com/dbdipview/dbdipview/wiki/Screenshots
Development Activity
All development activity is visible on GitHub.