lynch@theory.tn.cornell.edu (Tim Lynch) (11/28/90)
Hello,
I am interested in coming up to speed on what the current state of
the art is in regards to heterogenous distributed database design.
I am interested in something that allows for a user-interface front-end
to query a network of data servers to:
1) locate the information in question, and
2) engage in a dialog (front-end and data server) to establish what
and how the data will be transmitted.
I'm interested specifically in systems that:
1) allow a front-end to be completely ignorant of the data layout, and
2) define some canonical form(s) for data exchange.
For example, consider several data servers each maintaining a
bibliographic database with each db formatted in some unique manner.
Rather that develop a front-end that knows about each db, I would
rather develop a data server module for each db that can communicate
with the user front-end and provide bibliographic info in some canonical
form to the front-end.
I'm rather new to this field and am searching for information where ever I
can. At this point, I must admit I haven't been very successful in
locating anything. Pointers to real working systems, research projects,
or simple 'toy' implementations would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance. If anyone wishes to see what I glean, e-mail me.
If interest is sufficient, I'll post a summary.
Tim Lynch, Mann Library