ODBMS Implications
Impact on existing code base: adoption of an ODBMS must preserve investment represented by existing software.
- STAF provides basis for this. Already has C++/OO foundation; can hide ODBMS roots from table-based Fortran code, just as OO roots are hidden now
- Wrap STAF’s tables or table entries as objects
Implications for Grand Challenge: GC is investigating Objy as though it will become part of the RHIC data access solution
Manpower requirements: STAR/RHIC can leverage the thousands of FTE-years in Objectivity to minimize manpower investment if the STAR/RHIC-specific layer required is not excessive when balanced against manpower required to develop an alternative
Product cost is manageable
- <~$400k for RHIC; ɛ computer professional FTE-yrs. Incremental purchase is possible (100 initial; increments of 50 or 100). 15% maintenance.
- floating concurrent licenses with developer capability: everyone can define database schema (objects) for individual analysis