Computer Support for Schema Integration
Abstract
Currently, as part of an organization-wide move for greater interoperability and reduction of duplication, Defence is examining a number of existing information systems in order to make them work more closely together. Schema integration is the merging of different database design specifications which have commonality. In this report, we examine support for schema integration provided by commercial off the shelf (COTS) software products, in particular computer aided software engineering (CASE) tools, and suggest desirable features which current products do not support. We examine which of the two products tested provides cost-effective support for schema evolution. The two products chosen for examination are InfoModeler version 2 (chosen for its support of the rich object-role modelling methodology, and natural language interface) and ERwin Version 2.6.1 (the market leader both in Australia and the U.S.A.). It appears that no existing product provides a full schema merge capability, and this would not be expected, as schema integration needs to involve human creativity. However, some tasks within the integration process lend themselves to automation, and it is worthwhile examining tools to perform these tasks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA335348
Entities
People
- C. A. Ewald
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group