Research issues related to exchanging information from heterogeneous data sources

ABSTRACT

This paper highlights a project designed to help FEMA's Region VI address their information needs as well as extend the current technology for integrating heterogeneous databases. The successful completion of this project should lead to new and innovative ways to integrate multiple autonomous data sources. On the experimental side, the project is examining (1) architectural solutions to constructing mediated databases, and (2) new methods for supporting collaborative database activities. More specifically, the project is demonstrating the feasibility of representing the mappings between the virtual global database and the various data sources as XQuery queries [4]. We have chosen to use XQuery because of its efficiencies in processing the data, its ability to describe the data mappings, and its potential for improving standardization. The project's second task will address the collaborative interface problem. We are extending our current interface to support database activities such as viewing reports, sharing information, and editing data.

REFERENCES

• 1: Brazile, R., Swigger, K., Harrington, B., Harrington, B. and Peng, X. The international collaborative environment, CAINE, San Diego, October 2002.
• 2: Marian, A. and Siméon, J. Projecting XML documents, VLDB 2003, 2003.
• 3: Peng, X., Brazile, R. and Swigger, K. Using XQuery to describe mappings from global schemas to local data sources, Information Reuse and Integration, 2004, IRI 2004, 97, 8-10 Nov. 2004.
• 4: Peng, X., Brazile, R., and Swigger, K. Extending XML document projection for data integration, Information Reuse and Integration, Conf, 2005. IRI - 2005 IEEE International Conference on., 138--143, Aug. 15-17, 2005.
• 5: Jenny Preece , Yvonne Rogers , Helen Sharp, Interaction Design, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 2002
• 6: Kathleen Swigger , Ferda Alpaslan , Robert Brazile , Michael Monticino, Effects of culture on computer-supported international collaborations, International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, v.60 n.3, p.365-380, March 2004 [doi>10.1016/j.ijhcs.2003.10.006]

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.5 Heterogeneous Databases

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.5 Heterogeneous Databases

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Management

Keywords:
groupware, heterogeneous databases, mediator systems collaborative software, metadata