Автор: Peter Denley

This article considers the fundamental differences between two emergent approaches to historical database work, the ‘model-oriented’ , traditional, results-driven, relational database approach, which is quite clearly what the majority of historians want, need and will continue to adopt, and the ‚source oriented’, ‚database as edition’ way exemplified by Kteioi. These approaches are seen as legitimate alternatives belonging to different approaches to historical research. Their relative strengths and weaknesses are discussed, including the issues ofsuitability to particular types ofresearch, functionality, userfriendliness, relative learningcurves andresults. The article ends by assessing future prospects, particularly as exemplified by current 'user-oriented' software development in the Netherlands.