Abstract

An object-based relational distributed database system and associated methods of operation that transforms data stored in a plurality of remote, heterogeneous user databases into a homogeneous data model is disclosed. Data stored in distributed, heterogeneous user database structures is homogenized by mapping into object attributes of predetermined instances of objects forming to a conceptual model that relates the various heterogeneous databases. The object attributes are stored in remote databases at client sites, which can be separate computer systems from the heterogeneous user databases or separate processes running on a computer system that maintains the heterogeneous user databases. The system stores location information and status information relating to the homogenized data in a centralized object broker for object management, thereby facilitating location and retrieval of data items from one or more of the remote, heterogeneous user databases.

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