In recent years, the proliferation of database models required to meet today's ever
changing database needs has led to a variety of Database Management System (DBMS)
designs. This situation has presented a challenging problem for database managers.
How does one access information from heterogeneous databases without having to learn
and utilize the host's database model and language? The answer seems to lie in the area
of multi-lingual, multi-rnodel database systems. Such systems allow the user to access
data from any database, using any language the user is familiar with, regardless of the
model used to create the database.
An experimental system has been developed and implemented at the Naval
Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. One problem with the current system is
the lack of a consistent and user-friendly interface to interact with the system. Many
different visual interfaces for databases have been proposed in recent years and one of
the most promising is GLAD (Graphics Language for Database). GLAD utilizes direct
manipulation of database objects through the use of buttons and other controls. The
purpose of this thesis is to enhance the GLAD interface and allow it to transparently
communicate with a backend data server, in this case an ISI mini-computer running the
Multi-Lingual, Multi-Model, Multi-Backend Database System (MBDS) software,
allowing users to access heterogeneous databases in a simple and intuitive manner.
http://archive.org/details/interconnectiono00hoga
Lieutenant, United States Navy
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.