Data processing: database and file management or data structures – Database design – Data structure types
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-19
2001-12-11
Breene, John (Department: 2177)
Data processing: database and file management or data structures
Database design
Data structure types
C707S793000, C707S793000, C709S203000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330555
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to computer databases, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for enabling a view of data across a database.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Multiple computer databases or databases with multiple partitions pose special problems for database designers. In many cases, it is desirable to have a set of databases that hold all data, but where each user of the system has a unique view into that data. Stated another way, each user would have access to just a subset of all available data. However, database designers are limited by software applications that each require the appearance of a single database.
In computer networking environments which store network topology information, one problem is to maintain multiple, independent databases where each single network topology database is located on a physically distinct machine. Topology processes on each machine typically write to their own database and are not aware of each other. To accommodate current software applications, the databases must have the appearance of a single database or single datascape to maintain backward compatibility and eliminate the need for special applications to handle multiple databases explicitly.
When displaying network information to system users, a union of all data in view must be formed across the multiple databases, resolving duplicated and/or missing data. To give the appearance that the data came from a single, self-consistent database, the resulting datascape typically must be uniform, logically consistent, and homogeneous. In addition, information must be gathered from multiple databases in an efficient and seamless manner.
Therefore, there is a need for a way to implement multiple computer databases or databases with multiple partitions where a single, unique view is presented to each user of the system. There is a further need to have the database appear as a single database to software applications. There is a further need to gather information from databases in an efficient and seamless manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method, apparatus and article of manufacture for enabling a view of data across a database. A database containing data to be viewed is received by the system. The database is logically partitioned into a partition based upon a characteristic of the data to be viewed, the partition having a partition viewage table and a set of objects. An entry point is defined in the database for the view of data, the entry point having an entry point viewage table. The view of data is enabled by generating a set of partitions by recursively following the entry point viewage table and the partition viewage table to referenced partitions.
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Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Breene John
Lewis Cheryl
Nortel Networks Limited
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