Object oriented models were introduced to overcome the shortcomings of conventional models like Relational, Hierarchical and network model. An object-oriented database is collection of objects whose behavior, state, and relationships are defined in accordance with object-oriented concepts (such as objects, class, class hierarchy etc).
Merits: * Object oriented data model allows the real world to be modeled closely. The object encapsulates both state and behavior. The object can also store the relations with other objects. * It allows new data types to be built from existing types. Redundancy can be reduced as common factors of several classes can be grouped into a super class and can be shared by the sub classes. * It can be used to store a variety of data. * Data evolution is easier.
Demerits:
* There is a lack of universal data model.
* Use of this type of modeling is still limited.
* It lacks standards since there is no universal data model.
* Increased functionality provided by this modeling makes it complex.
* There is no view mechanism
* There is no adequate security mechanism.