DecisionNet: a database approach

Abstract

This thesis describes the database design and implementation for DecisionNet -- a distributed decision support technology server for the World Wide Web. The main premise of DecisionNet is that decision support technologies can be utilized by consumers as services over the World Wide Web instead of being purchased as stand-alone products. In this sense, DecisionNet performs the role of an 'agent,' facilitating transactions between consumers and providers. All of DecisionNet's functions involve some form of data lookup and modification, as well as common fields of data for similar classes of entities. As such, a database approach seems appropriate for DecisionNet. With this approach, the interaction of database queries with scripting languages can facilitate remote execution of decision support software. The DecisionNet prototype developed as a result of this research involves the use of a relational database that is directly accessed via Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts. These CGI scripts are invoked by users with a simple web browser. This thesis contains a description of 'agent' models for transactions, the relational database design description of all CGI scripts, and development of a user interface for the system.