Why are the ACID tests part of a decision support benchmark?
The business and execution environment that TPC-D models, defined in Clause 0, is different from a periodic reload/rebuild read-only database environment that may also be associated with decision support. The database is accessed by users worldwide, thus there is no overnight window available for lengthy database maintenance. The database is seldom reloaded and updates must be performed on an ongoing basis. It is regularly the case that queries and updates are submitted concurrently. This environment mandates general-purpose ACID properties. Atomicity and consistency are required because the database must not be corrupted by partially completed updates, since reloading is not a viable option for repair. Isolation is needed, albeit at a reduced level, because queries may be submitted while the database is being updated and should not see uncommitted updates. Durability is essential as well, because again, reloading the database and replaying updates manually is not a practical means of
