Pragmatic issues in conversions of database applications

The need to convert database applications from one DBMS to another arises frequently. This paper presents a cost/benefit evaluation model for the database conversion problem, applies this model to several situations involving convertion of large database applications and proposes a decision support system for database conversion decisions. It also points out that although most of the literature focuses on database models and structures, in practice organizational and human considerations play a key role in the conversion of database applications and may become a limit to the growth of new database applications.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/28364/1/0000129.pd