Showing papers on "Ontology-based data integration published in 1991"

Some thoughts on systems integration: A conceptual framework

Abstract: This article presents a conceptual framework for systems integration in the area of computing systems. The framework identifies a hierarchical structure of concepts and methods that allows us to discuss the different elements of systems integration. The kernel of this approach is the concept of an integration architecture, specifying the general layout of the integration framework. Such an integration architecture is based on enabling technologies, like networking, and forms the basis for global integration activities. These global integration activities are targeted to preserve a common universe of discourse for the user of the integrated architecture and to agree upon a conceptual model of the application domain. Based on these prerequisites, two models for managing the process of systems integration, the post factor approach and the phased top-down approach, are discussed.

Structural schema integration in heterogeneous multi-database systems using the Dual Model

Abstract: The integration of views and schemas is an important part of database design and evolution to support complex and multiple applications sharing data. The view and schema integration methodologies proposed are driven purely by semantic considerations, and allow integration of objects only if that is valid from both semantic and structural view points. The authors discuss a new integration method called structural integration that has the advantage of being able to integrate objects that have structural similarities, even if they differ semantically. This is possible by using the object-oriented Dual Model which allows separate representation of structure and semantics. Structural integration has several advantages, including the identification of shared common structures that is important for physical database design and sharing of data and methods (code reusability). >

Integration architectures: a framework for system integration decisions

Abstract: To support system engineering and the related decision processes on a level above the development of single applications, a framework for system integration is presented. An integration architecture, used as a meta-model of the integrated system, is the major focal point during the engineering process and serves as a basis for decisions on a system-level. Two different decision processes and their parameters and outputs are identified. A domain model, the integration architecture, and a classification of enabling technologies are the most important elements in this framework. >

Heterogeneous information systems: understanding integration

Abstract: Research in heterogeneous database systems has provided the basis for the development of integration tools or frameworks. These tools are used to build systems that provide information from multiple disparate systems or data sources. As many as thirty commercial frameworks exist for integrating heterogeneous database systems and numerous integrated systems are being developed for organizations with multiple information source requirements. Unfortunately, among integration framework and system developers there is little agreement on the definition of integration or on how to describe the frameworks and what they do. The authors present a definition of integration and define parameters for describing, specifying, and comparing integration frameworks and integrated systems. The parameters are based on the integration space where the dimensions define the hiding or exposing of heterogeneities in source, scheme, data model, time/context and dependencies. The authors use these dimensions in specifications to define the level of integration provided by the integration framework or integrated system. >