Databases
This section contains information and guidance on how to make the most use of the database services
the University provides.
Connecting to University Oracle database servers
Central University Oracle Database Services
- The datahub
is a centrally managed Oracle database which provides an easy means of extracting, consolidating and reporting management
information from the University's main administrative systems. It brings together data from different sources and offers a stable
database that can be read by all relevant people in the University. It contains
data about staff, students and other people associated with the University, the organisational structure and unit catalogue.
- The datahaven
provides a centrally-supported Oracle database service for staff to create their own databases
for research or administrative purposes.
- Oracle Applications
The current systems that are available to University staff include:
- PIMS - The Personnel Information Management System (PIMS), maintains the centrally-held data about members of staff
(including honorary staff), posts, appointments, recruitment, and the university's organisation structure.
The system is the principal source of staff information across the institution.
- CARB - The University's Corporate Asset system is used to record the University's assets such as all land, buildings and rooms.
- Standard Jobs - Standard Jobs provides the user with many predefined, parameter-driven reports and data updates.
Reports can be delivered in Adobe PDF format which can be viewed on screen and printed locally, or through the generation of
CSV files which can be emailed to the user.
- Student and Admissions Information - A suite of Screens and Reports giving limited access the
University's Student Record System data.
NOTE: Some of the below requires the full Oracle client to be installed.
We only recommend you have the full client installed if the UoB provided MSI package doesn't provide all the tools you need.
Contact your support person if this is the case.
Database software
- Oracle SQLPlus
can be used to look at any data held in an Oracle database such as the datahub and datahaven.
- Oracle SQL Loader can be used to load data into an Oracle database.
- Microsoft Access is used for local databases and to link to Oracle data using a
familiar interface. It can also be used to update Oracle databases.
- Zope Template references used to link to Oracle data on the web
Connection
ODBC is an acronym for Open Database connectivity. The software enables the use of desk top clients to access data held in
in an Oracle database.
SQL
SQL is an acronym for Structured Query Language. It is a requirement of any relational database software to provide it
because it is a standard language to define and manipulate the data in a database.
Import and Export
It is possible to move data from one system to another. Depending on the format of the data it can be straight forward
or convoluted.
Other useful links