Students doing their fourth year studies in Information Technology are making a transition from u... more Students doing their fourth year studies in Information Technology are making a transition from undergraduate studies to post-graduate studies. An honours project is done over a full year and used to assist students in making this transition. At the onset of the project, students are prepared through lectures and small-step assignments to formulate a problem and understand the philosophical paradigm underlying their particular study. They are also guided regarding research methods applicable to the four prominent Information Systems paradigms, namely positivistic, interpretive, critical social theory and design science research. After their initial preparation, students are introduced to the fields of expertise supported by Information Technology academics at the institution. They are then allowed to approach a study leader with a topic – to be guided through the project. Although the preparation of students has been expanded over a period of time – to accommodate the shortcomings students have, student still struggle with some key research concepts. One of their difficulties includes interpretive research methodologies.
This paper suggests an approach to interpretive research that may assist young researchers. A simple hypothetical example is used to guide students through the process of conducting interpretive research using Grounded Theory.
In today's modern age of technology vast amounts of data needs to be processed in real-time to ke... more In today's modern age of technology vast amounts of data needs to be processed in real-time to keep users satisfied. This data comes from various sources and in many formats, including electronic and mobile devices such as GPRS modems and GPS devices. They make use of different protocols including TCP, UDP, and HTTP/s for data communication to web servers and eventually to users. The data obtained from these devices may provide valuable information to users, but are mostly in an unreadable format which needs to be processed to provide information and business intelligence. This data is not always current, it is mostly historical data. The data is not subject to implementation of consistency and redundancy measures as most other data usually is. Most important to the users is that the data are to be pre-processed in a readable format when it is entered into the database. To accomplish this, programmers build processing programs and scripts to decode and process the information stored in databases. Programmers make use of various techniques in such programs to accomplish this, but sometimes neglect the effect some of these techniques may have on database performance. One of the techniques generally used, is to pull data from the database server, process it and push it back to the database server in one single step. Since the processing of the data usually takes some time, it keeps the database busy and locked for the period of time that the processing takes place. Because of this, it decreases the overall performance of the database server and therefore the system's performance. This paper follows on a paper discussing the performance increase that may be achieved by utilising array lists along with a pull-process-push data processing technique split in three steps. The purpose of this paper is to expand the number of clients when comparing the two techniques to establish the impact it may have on performance of the CPU storage and processing time.
In a world of big data, the term 'Not Only Structured Query Language' was coined in 1998 to descr... more In a world of big data, the term 'Not Only Structured Query Language' was coined in 1998 to describe non-relational databases and rapidly expanded in the Information Technology environment. It is commonly referred to as NoSQL. There was much debate on whether NoSQL could replace relational databases. This debate is important and will be rampant for many years to come. In the meantime, NoSQL systems cannot be neglected, as it serves an important purpose in the world of databases, big data and business intelligence. For this reason, the incorporation of NoSQL in a database systems module is crucial as it enables students to include it in their arsenal of tools needed when entering industry after graduation. This paper reflects on a typical database systems module included in most computer science courses. At the NorthWest University (Vaal Triangle Campus) the course was amended in 2013 to incorporate NoSQL. This paper focuses on the implementation of a practical project assignment example with its accompanying assessment rubric – important tools to ensure NoSQL's integration with the rest of the module. It also investigates students' understanding of the underlying concepts during two years of implementation. With the second implementation of the inclusion of NoSQL, the first implementation was improved to allow students to form their own understanding of how NoSQL environments may be integrated with traditional relational environments – instead of the lecturer doing it for them. Informal feedback from students during their project assignment presentations, as well as the depiction of their understanding of the project assignment are reflected on and considered for possible future amendments to the subject module.
Structured data stores have been the dominating technologies for the past few decades. Although d... more Structured data stores have been the dominating technologies for the past few decades. Although dominating, structured data stores lack the functionality to handle the ‘Big Data’ phenomenon. A new technology has recently emerged which stores unstructured data and can handle the ‘Big Data’ phenomenon.
This study describes the development of an artefact to aid in the analysis of NoSQL document data stores in terms of relational database model constructs. Design science research (DSR) is the methodology implemented in the study and it is used to assist in the understanding, design and development of the problem, artefact and solution.
This study explores the existing literature on DSR, in addition to structured and unstructured data stores. The literature review formulates the descriptive and prescriptive knowledge used in the development of the artefact. The artefact is developed using a series of six activities derived from two DSR approaches.
The problem domain is derived from the existing literature and a real application environment (RAE). The reviewed literature provided a general problem statement. A representative from NFM (the RAE) is interviewed for a situation analysis providing a specific problem statement.
An objective is formulated for the development of the artefact and suggestions are made to address the problem domain, assisting the artefact’s objective.
The artefact is designed and developed using the descriptive knowledge of structured and unstructured data stores, combined with prescriptive knowledge of algorithms, pseudocode, continuous design and object-oriented design. The artefact evolves through multiple design cycles into a final product that analyses document data stores in terms of relational database model constructs.
The artefact is evaluated for acceptability and utility. This provides credibility and rigour to the research in the DSR paradigm. Acceptability is demonstrated through simulation and the utility is evaluated using a real application environment (RAE). A representative from NFM is interviewed for the evaluation of the artefact.
Finally, the study is communicated by describing its findings, summarising the artefact and looking into future possibilities for research and application.
In a world of big data, ‘Not Only SQL’ (Structured Query
Language) is a concept that emerged in ... more In a world of big data, ‘Not Only SQL’ (Structured Query
Language) is a concept that emerged in 2009 and rapidly
expanded in the Information Technology environment and
commonly referred to as NoSQL. There was much debate on
whether NoSQL could be a replacement of relational databases.
Although this debate is important, it will be rampant for many
years to come. In the meantime, NoSQL systems cannot be
neglected, since it serves an important purpose. For this reason, it
is crucial to incorporate NoSQL into a database systems module
to enable students to include it in their arsenal of tools needed
when entering the industry after graduation. This paper looks at a
typical database systems module included in most computer
courses. An amended database systems module is suggested,
incorporating NoSQL. Effort is also made to ensure NoSQL’s
integration into the module by means of examples for practical
project and the evaluations thereof.
Fourth year Information Technology students are confronted with career in industry that requires ... more Fourth year Information Technology students are confronted with career in industry that requires them to be life-long learners. Some of them are contemplating further academic study; they are in need of good scholarly preparation. This paper reflects on a project-module that is used to achieve both goals of developing life-long learners and provide an introduction to postgraduate research work. The paper promotes the development self-directed learning skills of students through project-based learning. Students are required to take ownership of their own learning, sensitive to their own abilities and interests. They have to create some sort of artefact to demonstrate knowledge of a new field in Information Technology. They are required to demonstrate a suitable research approach. Action Research and Design science research is presented in the paper as suitable approaches. Many students struggle to choose between these approaches. This paper provides guidance in this regard. The paper concludes by demonstrating how different students may approach a single research scenario according to their interests and using different research approaches.
Design science research has two essential processes, design and evaluation, supported by various ... more Design science research has two essential processes, design and evaluation, supported by various approaches. Two of these activities, namely problem identification and evaluation, require qualitative data to be gathered by means of interviews. Despite its strengths, the analysis of qualitative data gathered from an interview, is not popular with researchers in design science research. Most design science researchers are trained in the technical aspects required for artefact design and development and find qualitative data collection and analysis outside their field of expertise. Although there is no shortage of general research on qualitative approaches, there is a shortage of literature that illustrates a process from start to end in the context of design science research. Qualitative research includes a multitude of approaches like studying documents, using focus group interviews and the observation of an environment. This paper demonstrates a seven step process for using qualitative data gathered from an interview with a client – to facilitate the understanding of the real application environment and to assist in the evaluation of the artefact from an interpretive research perspective.
In today’s technology age vast amounts of data needs to be processed within real-time to keep use... more In today’s technology age vast amounts of data needs to be processed within real-time to keep users and customers satisfied. Data are generated at various sources and in many formats, including electronic and mobile devices such as Global Positioning Systems. The data obtained from these devices may provide usable information to customers, but are mostly unreadable. This data may be processed to provide valuable information and enable business intelligence. Programmers make use of various techniques to accomplish this. One of the techniques used to process data, is a called pull-process-push. It pulls data from a database table, processes it and then pushes it to another database table in one single step. Since the processing of the data takes time, it keeps the database locked for the period of time that the processing takes place. This decreases the performance of the database as well as the system running. This paper discusses the performance increase that may be achieved by using array lists to split a pull-process-push technique into three steps to process data. Array lists used as temporal storage while data is processed, allows the database server to continue reading and writing new data while the data in the array list is being processed. This may improve the performance databases and systems have on web services when processing vast amounts of data.
Students doing their fourth year studies in Information Technology are making a transition from u... more Students doing their fourth year studies in Information Technology are making a transition from undergraduate studies to post-graduate studies. An honours project is done over a full year and used to assist students in making this transition. At the onset of the project, students are prepared through lectures and small-step assignments to formulate a problem and understand the philosophical paradigm underlying their particular study. They are also guided regarding research methods applicable to the four prominent Information Systems paradigms, namely positivistic, interpretive, critical social theory and design science research. After their initial preparation, students are introduced to the fields of expertise supported by Information Technology academics at the institution. They are then allowed to approach a study leader with a topic – to be guided through the project. Although the preparation of students has been expanded over a period of time – to accommodate the shortcomings students have, student still struggle with some key research concepts. One of their difficulties includes interpretive research methodologies.
This paper suggests an approach to interpretive research that may assist young researchers. A simple hypothetical example is used to guide students through the process of conducting interpretive research using Grounded Theory.
In today's modern age of technology vast amounts of data needs to be processed in real-time to ke... more In today's modern age of technology vast amounts of data needs to be processed in real-time to keep users satisfied. This data comes from various sources and in many formats, including electronic and mobile devices such as GPRS modems and GPS devices. They make use of different protocols including TCP, UDP, and HTTP/s for data communication to web servers and eventually to users. The data obtained from these devices may provide valuable information to users, but are mostly in an unreadable format which needs to be processed to provide information and business intelligence. This data is not always current, it is mostly historical data. The data is not subject to implementation of consistency and redundancy measures as most other data usually is. Most important to the users is that the data are to be pre-processed in a readable format when it is entered into the database. To accomplish this, programmers build processing programs and scripts to decode and process the information stored in databases. Programmers make use of various techniques in such programs to accomplish this, but sometimes neglect the effect some of these techniques may have on database performance. One of the techniques generally used, is to pull data from the database server, process it and push it back to the database server in one single step. Since the processing of the data usually takes some time, it keeps the database busy and locked for the period of time that the processing takes place. Because of this, it decreases the overall performance of the database server and therefore the system's performance. This paper follows on a paper discussing the performance increase that may be achieved by utilising array lists along with a pull-process-push data processing technique split in three steps. The purpose of this paper is to expand the number of clients when comparing the two techniques to establish the impact it may have on performance of the CPU storage and processing time.
In a world of big data, the term 'Not Only Structured Query Language' was coined in 1998 to descr... more In a world of big data, the term 'Not Only Structured Query Language' was coined in 1998 to describe non-relational databases and rapidly expanded in the Information Technology environment. It is commonly referred to as NoSQL. There was much debate on whether NoSQL could replace relational databases. This debate is important and will be rampant for many years to come. In the meantime, NoSQL systems cannot be neglected, as it serves an important purpose in the world of databases, big data and business intelligence. For this reason, the incorporation of NoSQL in a database systems module is crucial as it enables students to include it in their arsenal of tools needed when entering industry after graduation. This paper reflects on a typical database systems module included in most computer science courses. At the NorthWest University (Vaal Triangle Campus) the course was amended in 2013 to incorporate NoSQL. This paper focuses on the implementation of a practical project assignment example with its accompanying assessment rubric – important tools to ensure NoSQL's integration with the rest of the module. It also investigates students' understanding of the underlying concepts during two years of implementation. With the second implementation of the inclusion of NoSQL, the first implementation was improved to allow students to form their own understanding of how NoSQL environments may be integrated with traditional relational environments – instead of the lecturer doing it for them. Informal feedback from students during their project assignment presentations, as well as the depiction of their understanding of the project assignment are reflected on and considered for possible future amendments to the subject module.
Structured data stores have been the dominating technologies for the past few decades. Although d... more Structured data stores have been the dominating technologies for the past few decades. Although dominating, structured data stores lack the functionality to handle the ‘Big Data’ phenomenon. A new technology has recently emerged which stores unstructured data and can handle the ‘Big Data’ phenomenon.
This study describes the development of an artefact to aid in the analysis of NoSQL document data stores in terms of relational database model constructs. Design science research (DSR) is the methodology implemented in the study and it is used to assist in the understanding, design and development of the problem, artefact and solution.
This study explores the existing literature on DSR, in addition to structured and unstructured data stores. The literature review formulates the descriptive and prescriptive knowledge used in the development of the artefact. The artefact is developed using a series of six activities derived from two DSR approaches.
The problem domain is derived from the existing literature and a real application environment (RAE). The reviewed literature provided a general problem statement. A representative from NFM (the RAE) is interviewed for a situation analysis providing a specific problem statement.
An objective is formulated for the development of the artefact and suggestions are made to address the problem domain, assisting the artefact’s objective.
The artefact is designed and developed using the descriptive knowledge of structured and unstructured data stores, combined with prescriptive knowledge of algorithms, pseudocode, continuous design and object-oriented design. The artefact evolves through multiple design cycles into a final product that analyses document data stores in terms of relational database model constructs.
The artefact is evaluated for acceptability and utility. This provides credibility and rigour to the research in the DSR paradigm. Acceptability is demonstrated through simulation and the utility is evaluated using a real application environment (RAE). A representative from NFM is interviewed for the evaluation of the artefact.
Finally, the study is communicated by describing its findings, summarising the artefact and looking into future possibilities for research and application.
In a world of big data, ‘Not Only SQL’ (Structured Query
Language) is a concept that emerged in ... more In a world of big data, ‘Not Only SQL’ (Structured Query
Language) is a concept that emerged in 2009 and rapidly
expanded in the Information Technology environment and
commonly referred to as NoSQL. There was much debate on
whether NoSQL could be a replacement of relational databases.
Although this debate is important, it will be rampant for many
years to come. In the meantime, NoSQL systems cannot be
neglected, since it serves an important purpose. For this reason, it
is crucial to incorporate NoSQL into a database systems module
to enable students to include it in their arsenal of tools needed
when entering the industry after graduation. This paper looks at a
typical database systems module included in most computer
courses. An amended database systems module is suggested,
incorporating NoSQL. Effort is also made to ensure NoSQL’s
integration into the module by means of examples for practical
project and the evaluations thereof.
Fourth year Information Technology students are confronted with career in industry that requires ... more Fourth year Information Technology students are confronted with career in industry that requires them to be life-long learners. Some of them are contemplating further academic study; they are in need of good scholarly preparation. This paper reflects on a project-module that is used to achieve both goals of developing life-long learners and provide an introduction to postgraduate research work. The paper promotes the development self-directed learning skills of students through project-based learning. Students are required to take ownership of their own learning, sensitive to their own abilities and interests. They have to create some sort of artefact to demonstrate knowledge of a new field in Information Technology. They are required to demonstrate a suitable research approach. Action Research and Design science research is presented in the paper as suitable approaches. Many students struggle to choose between these approaches. This paper provides guidance in this regard. The paper concludes by demonstrating how different students may approach a single research scenario according to their interests and using different research approaches.
Design science research has two essential processes, design and evaluation, supported by various ... more Design science research has two essential processes, design and evaluation, supported by various approaches. Two of these activities, namely problem identification and evaluation, require qualitative data to be gathered by means of interviews. Despite its strengths, the analysis of qualitative data gathered from an interview, is not popular with researchers in design science research. Most design science researchers are trained in the technical aspects required for artefact design and development and find qualitative data collection and analysis outside their field of expertise. Although there is no shortage of general research on qualitative approaches, there is a shortage of literature that illustrates a process from start to end in the context of design science research. Qualitative research includes a multitude of approaches like studying documents, using focus group interviews and the observation of an environment. This paper demonstrates a seven step process for using qualitative data gathered from an interview with a client – to facilitate the understanding of the real application environment and to assist in the evaluation of the artefact from an interpretive research perspective.
In today’s technology age vast amounts of data needs to be processed within real-time to keep use... more In today’s technology age vast amounts of data needs to be processed within real-time to keep users and customers satisfied. Data are generated at various sources and in many formats, including electronic and mobile devices such as Global Positioning Systems. The data obtained from these devices may provide usable information to customers, but are mostly unreadable. This data may be processed to provide valuable information and enable business intelligence. Programmers make use of various techniques to accomplish this. One of the techniques used to process data, is a called pull-process-push. It pulls data from a database table, processes it and then pushes it to another database table in one single step. Since the processing of the data takes time, it keeps the database locked for the period of time that the processing takes place. This decreases the performance of the database as well as the system running. This paper discusses the performance increase that may be achieved by using array lists to split a pull-process-push technique into three steps to process data. Array lists used as temporal storage while data is processed, allows the database server to continue reading and writing new data while the data in the array list is being processed. This may improve the performance databases and systems have on web services when processing vast amounts of data.
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academics at the institution. They are then allowed to approach a study leader with a topic – to be guided through the project. Although the preparation of students has been expanded over a period of time – to accommodate the shortcomings students have, student still struggle with some key research concepts. One of their difficulties includes interpretive research methodologies.
This paper suggests an approach to interpretive research that may assist young researchers. A simple hypothetical example is used to guide students through the process of conducting interpretive research using Grounded Theory.
This study describes the development of an artefact to aid in the analysis of NoSQL document data stores in terms of relational database model constructs. Design science research (DSR) is the methodology implemented in the study and it is used to assist in the understanding, design and development of the problem, artefact and solution.
This study explores the existing literature on DSR, in addition to structured and unstructured data stores. The literature review formulates the descriptive and prescriptive knowledge used in the development of the artefact. The artefact is developed using a series of six activities derived from two DSR approaches.
The problem domain is derived from the existing literature and a real application environment (RAE). The reviewed literature provided a general problem statement. A representative from NFM (the RAE) is interviewed for a situation analysis providing a specific problem statement.
An objective is formulated for the development of the artefact and suggestions are made to address the problem domain, assisting the artefact’s objective.
The artefact is designed and developed using the descriptive knowledge of structured and unstructured data stores, combined with prescriptive knowledge of algorithms, pseudocode, continuous design and object-oriented design. The artefact evolves through multiple design cycles into a final product that analyses document data stores in terms of relational database model constructs.
The artefact is evaluated for acceptability and utility. This provides credibility and rigour to the research in the DSR paradigm. Acceptability is demonstrated through simulation and the utility is evaluated using a real application environment (RAE). A representative from NFM is interviewed for the evaluation of the artefact.
Finally, the study is communicated by describing its findings, summarising the artefact and looking into future possibilities for research and application.
Language) is a concept that emerged in 2009 and rapidly
expanded in the Information Technology environment and
commonly referred to as NoSQL. There was much debate on
whether NoSQL could be a replacement of relational databases.
Although this debate is important, it will be rampant for many
years to come. In the meantime, NoSQL systems cannot be
neglected, since it serves an important purpose. For this reason, it
is crucial to incorporate NoSQL into a database systems module
to enable students to include it in their arsenal of tools needed
when entering the industry after graduation. This paper looks at a
typical database systems module included in most computer
courses. An amended database systems module is suggested,
incorporating NoSQL. Effort is also made to ensure NoSQL’s
integration into the module by means of examples for practical
project and the evaluations thereof.
Two of these activities, namely problem identification and evaluation, require qualitative data to be gathered by
means of interviews. Despite its strengths, the analysis of qualitative data gathered from an interview, is not popular
with researchers in design science research. Most design science researchers are trained in the technical aspects
required for artefact design and development and find qualitative data collection and analysis outside their field of
expertise. Although there is no shortage of general research on qualitative approaches, there is a shortage of
literature that illustrates a process from start to end in the context of design science research. Qualitative research
includes a multitude of approaches like studying documents, using focus group interviews and the observation of an
environment. This paper demonstrates a seven step process for using qualitative data gathered from an interview
with a client – to facilitate the understanding of the real application environment and to assist in the evaluation of the
artefact from an interpretive research perspective.
Data are generated at various sources and in many formats, including electronic and mobile devices such as Global Positioning
Systems. The data obtained from these devices may provide usable information to customers, but are mostly unreadable. This
data may be processed to provide valuable information and enable business intelligence. Programmers make use of various
techniques to accomplish this.
One of the techniques used to process data, is a called pull-process-push. It pulls data from a database table, processes it and
then pushes it to another database table in one single step. Since the processing of the data takes time, it keeps the database
locked for the period of time that the processing takes place. This decreases the performance of the database as well as the system
running. This paper discusses the performance increase that may be achieved by using array lists to split a pull-process-push
technique into three steps to process data. Array lists used as temporal storage while data is processed, allows the database server
to continue reading and writing new data while the data in the array list is being processed. This may improve the performance
databases and systems have on web services when processing vast amounts of data.
academics at the institution. They are then allowed to approach a study leader with a topic – to be guided through the project. Although the preparation of students has been expanded over a period of time – to accommodate the shortcomings students have, student still struggle with some key research concepts. One of their difficulties includes interpretive research methodologies.
This paper suggests an approach to interpretive research that may assist young researchers. A simple hypothetical example is used to guide students through the process of conducting interpretive research using Grounded Theory.
This study describes the development of an artefact to aid in the analysis of NoSQL document data stores in terms of relational database model constructs. Design science research (DSR) is the methodology implemented in the study and it is used to assist in the understanding, design and development of the problem, artefact and solution.
This study explores the existing literature on DSR, in addition to structured and unstructured data stores. The literature review formulates the descriptive and prescriptive knowledge used in the development of the artefact. The artefact is developed using a series of six activities derived from two DSR approaches.
The problem domain is derived from the existing literature and a real application environment (RAE). The reviewed literature provided a general problem statement. A representative from NFM (the RAE) is interviewed for a situation analysis providing a specific problem statement.
An objective is formulated for the development of the artefact and suggestions are made to address the problem domain, assisting the artefact’s objective.
The artefact is designed and developed using the descriptive knowledge of structured and unstructured data stores, combined with prescriptive knowledge of algorithms, pseudocode, continuous design and object-oriented design. The artefact evolves through multiple design cycles into a final product that analyses document data stores in terms of relational database model constructs.
The artefact is evaluated for acceptability and utility. This provides credibility and rigour to the research in the DSR paradigm. Acceptability is demonstrated through simulation and the utility is evaluated using a real application environment (RAE). A representative from NFM is interviewed for the evaluation of the artefact.
Finally, the study is communicated by describing its findings, summarising the artefact and looking into future possibilities for research and application.
Language) is a concept that emerged in 2009 and rapidly
expanded in the Information Technology environment and
commonly referred to as NoSQL. There was much debate on
whether NoSQL could be a replacement of relational databases.
Although this debate is important, it will be rampant for many
years to come. In the meantime, NoSQL systems cannot be
neglected, since it serves an important purpose. For this reason, it
is crucial to incorporate NoSQL into a database systems module
to enable students to include it in their arsenal of tools needed
when entering the industry after graduation. This paper looks at a
typical database systems module included in most computer
courses. An amended database systems module is suggested,
incorporating NoSQL. Effort is also made to ensure NoSQL’s
integration into the module by means of examples for practical
project and the evaluations thereof.
Two of these activities, namely problem identification and evaluation, require qualitative data to be gathered by
means of interviews. Despite its strengths, the analysis of qualitative data gathered from an interview, is not popular
with researchers in design science research. Most design science researchers are trained in the technical aspects
required for artefact design and development and find qualitative data collection and analysis outside their field of
expertise. Although there is no shortage of general research on qualitative approaches, there is a shortage of
literature that illustrates a process from start to end in the context of design science research. Qualitative research
includes a multitude of approaches like studying documents, using focus group interviews and the observation of an
environment. This paper demonstrates a seven step process for using qualitative data gathered from an interview
with a client – to facilitate the understanding of the real application environment and to assist in the evaluation of the
artefact from an interpretive research perspective.
Data are generated at various sources and in many formats, including electronic and mobile devices such as Global Positioning
Systems. The data obtained from these devices may provide usable information to customers, but are mostly unreadable. This
data may be processed to provide valuable information and enable business intelligence. Programmers make use of various
techniques to accomplish this.
One of the techniques used to process data, is a called pull-process-push. It pulls data from a database table, processes it and
then pushes it to another database table in one single step. Since the processing of the data takes time, it keeps the database
locked for the period of time that the processing takes place. This decreases the performance of the database as well as the system
running. This paper discusses the performance increase that may be achieved by using array lists to split a pull-process-push
technique into three steps to process data. Array lists used as temporal storage while data is processed, allows the database server
to continue reading and writing new data while the data in the array list is being processed. This may improve the performance
databases and systems have on web services when processing vast amounts of data.