In information system design, data modeling is the analysis and design of the information in the system, concentrating on the logical entities and the logical dependencies between these entities.

Data modeling is an abstraction activity in that the details of the values of individual data observations are ignored in favor of the structure, relationships, names and formats of the data of interest, although a list of valid values is frequently recorded.

While a common term for this activity is "data analysis" the activity actually has more in common with the ideas and methods of synthesis than it does in the original meaning of the term analysis.

This is because the activity strives to bring the data structures of interest together in a cohesive, inseparable, whole by eliminating unnecessary data redundancies and relating data structures by relationships.

In the early phases of a software development project, emphasis will be on the design of a conceptual data model. This can be detailed into a logical data model sometimes called a functional data model. In later stages, this model may be translated into physical data model.

Techniques for the design of a data models

Several techniques have been developed for the design of a data models. Most noticeable techniques are:
• RM/T
• Bachman diagrams
• Entity-relationship diagrams
• Object Role Modeling (ORM) or NIAM
• Object-relationship modeling

Database administration
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Database administration is the process of establishing computerized databases, and insuring their recoverability, integrity, security, availability, reliability, and performance.

Remote database administration is a multi-pronged approach to several different processes utilized to monitor databases and operating systems at a remote location, a monitor can be established to watch and monitor databases and operating systems located elsewhere.

The simplest form is simply for a client computer to be monitored manually by use of telnet or through the World Wide Web. A Database administrator performs database administration.

Data security

Data security is the means of ensuring that data is kept safe from corruption and that access to it is suitably controlled. Thus data security helps to ensure privacy. It also helps in protecting personal data.