A Methodology for Vertically Partitioning in a Multi-Relation Database Environment

Abstract

Vertical partitioning, in which attributes of a relation are assigned to partitions, is aimed at improving database performance. We extend previous research that is based on a single relation to multi-relation database environment, by including referential integrity constraints, access time based heuristic, and a comprehensive cost model that considers most transaction types including updates and joins. The algorithm was applied to a real-world insurance CLAIMS database. Simulation experiments were conducted and the results show a performance improvement of 36% to 65% over unpartitioned case. Application of our method for small databases resulted in partitioning schemes that are comparable to optimal.

Keywords

• vertical partitioning
• database performance
• referential integrity constraints
• multi-relation databases