TurboIMAGE/XL Database Management System Reference Manual (30391-90012)

Chapter 1 27
Introduction
Data Security
1 Introduction
TurboIMAGE/XL is a set of programs and procedures that you can use to define, create,
access, and maintain a database. A database is a collection of logically-related files
containing both data and structural information. Pointers within the database allow you to
gain access to related data and to index data across files.
The primary benefit of the TurboIMAGE/XL database management system is time
savings. These savings are typically provided in the following areas:
• Data security
• Rapid data retrieval and formatting
• Program development
• Program maintenance
• Program file independence
• File consolidation
• Special information needs
This chapter describes each of these topics in detail.
Effective use of TurboIMAGE/XL can remove a large portion of the overhead associated
with integrated system design from application analysts and programmers.
TurboIMAGE/XL can channel system design talents into functional rather than
structurally-supportive design tasks.
Data Security
Conventional file management systems have limited data security provisions. Access to
computer readable data can only be denied to individuals with system access by providing
physical protection for the media upon which the file is stored, such as using a data vault
for storing sensitive data stored on magnetic tape or disk.
TurboIMAGE/XL, in conjunction with MPE/iX, provides security at account, group, data
item, and data set levels. Implementing security at the item level allows sensitive data to
be stored on-line under the control of TurboIMAGE/XL, a database manager or designer,
and system manager, with minimal regard for additional security provisions.
TurboIMAGE/XL security provisions can limit programmer or operator access to sensitive
information.