Mapping a version model to a complex-object data model

The authors present a version model for CAD purposes and its implementation on the basis of a complex-object database management system. The functionality of the model is illustrated with the help of a VLSI design example. In contrast to similar solutions based on the relational data model, this approach allows for a simple and efficient implementation of the version model, allowing for powerful retrieval operations. Sharing of data, which occurs necessarily among versions, is system controlled. This prohibits redundant storage of data. It is concluded that implementing a complex-object database system supporting versions is not more complicated than implementing a complex-object database system without version support