Media Analysis Project
This is a short (one page) paper for one of my classes this semester (Cornerstone). It is about an advertisement I found in Linux Journal. It is probably not a very interesting read. I am only posting it here for the sake of documentation.
InterSystems Corporation would like Linux Journal readers to believe that their Cache database product is the best fit for today’s programmers; anything else would be like trying to combine a Formula 1 race car with an old farm tractor. The visual image of such an awkward vehicle placed at the top of the page combined with the big read letters stating that it is "Time to Change Your Database" are enough to make any self-respecting programmer stop for a second look.
Modern development technologies like Java, C++, and XML have truly introduced speed and ease to the historically slow and tedious process of software development; speed is represented by the Formula 1 race car. This begs the question, how is a relational database similar to an old farm tractor?
The text of the ad explains that the Cache database system differs from traditional relational database systems in that it was designed with today’s technologies in mind. Relational database systems were developed before these technologies existed, and therefore have had to adapt. Intersystems would like us to believe that it is because of the lack of adaptation their product has had to go through, it must then be a superior solution.
After reading the four paragraphs of technical sales-pitch in the ad I realize how relational database systems are like an old farm tractor; they have been proven to be reliable, strong, trustworthy, and effective. Sometimes quick and easy are not what is needed.
InterSystems pointed out that modern software development tools are fast and agile like a Formula 1 race car and relational database systems have been proven to be reliable, and effective like and old farm tractor. Since I like a reliable database that has withstood the test of time, it is not time to change my database.
