A heterogeneous distributed database system for distance education networks

An advanced database system would have the following characteristics: * Universal access by all network users from any computer connected by modem * An extended browse feature that would allow users to navigate easily through the different databases * An interface that makes connections easily and allows users to merge different databases and combine information from different databases transparently * Graphics, software, and text files that are readily accessible, and the capability for system upgrading * The capability of searching, creating, modifying, and deleting data efficiently using call-up procedures in other systems, while protecting the integrity of the system * The ability to protect the data from unauthorized access as well as from inadvertent and malicious damage * System management that is not overly complex