A Pseudo Object Database Model and Its Applications on a Highly Complex Distributed Architecture

Abstract

Developing, maintaining and accessing complex information repositories are some of the main concerns of today’s information society. In huge distributed systems, guaranteeing good performances and data integrity is a real challenge when using standard relational databases. This paper presents a database concept methodology that addresses these concerns under the form of an “RDBMS independent” database designed in an object fashion, while allowing for standard SQL access for those applications that require it.  After presenting the general concept and model and showing that it can be used and implemented on any database system, we will describe it in detail and focus on examples of current uses both for commercial and academic applications. The paper will highlight the benefits of using this model in one particular highly complex, distributed database environment in describing its application to the central authoritative information repository of the EGEE and WLCG worldwide computing Grids.