A metadata system for information modeling and integration

Information integration in computerized enterprises entails global modeling and repository systems that represent both data resources and control knowledge of the enterprise. Toward this end, a metadata system has been developed based on the two-stage entity-relationship approach. The system´s functions include creation of functional models, structural models, and implementation schemata for both data and knowledge. The mappings between functional and structural models, as well as between structural models and implementation schemata, are automated. Integration of heterogeneous subsystem models across the enterprise is another function of the system. The resulting global conceptual model of the enterprise could be used for administration purposes or further mapped into physical schema for implementation. Management of the metadata repository is a third function. The system supports the creation, storage, and management of the metadatabase as a stand-alone global information resources dictionary for all enterprise users. The creation and population of the metadatabase are fully automated according to the information model. Manipulation and query against the metadatabase are done through a metadata engine, which is implemented using a relational database management system coupled with a Lisp environment