Parallel database systems: The case for shared-something

Parallel database systems are becoming the primary application of multiprocessor computers. The reason for this is that they can provide high-performance and high-availability database support at a much lower price than do equivalent mainframe computers. The traditional shared-memory, shared-disk, and shared-nothing architectures of parallel database systems are compared, based on the following dimensions: simplicity, cost, performance, availability and extensibility. Based on these comparisons, the case is made for the shared-something architecture, which can provide a better trade-off between the various objectives.<
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