A Comparison of Three Data Models for Text Storage and Retrieval Systems: The Relational Model Revisited

A number of software toolkits exist for the development of text storage and retrieval systems (TSARS). This study compares three data models applicable to such toolkits and discusses the suitability of one of them as the basis of a toolkit unifying all three data models. The three data models are: (1) the text model, also known as the inverted file approach, (2) the hypertext model, and (3) the relational model. In the design of the relational model changeability was a key consideration, but more often it is sacrificed to save development resources or improve performance. As it is not uncommon to see successful TSARS exist for 15-20 years and be subject to manifold changes during their lifetime, it is the relational model which is considered for use in the unified toolkit. It seems as if the relational model can be enhanced to incorporate the text model and the hypertext model.