The Third Query Paradigm

Abstract

We aim to conceptualize a query paradigm for distributed semantically heterogeneous data repositories where query originators have no knowledge of local data organization. A notion of autonomous setting captures the constraints and explicates the query independence principle. Two traditional query paradigms – keyword-based search and database framework – are analyzed in this respect. A generalization seamlessly integrating them employs a concept of virtual query objects that provide independent search context and define logical structure of replies. The approach can be practically implemented by extending SQL semantics for the distributed autonomous setting.