A classification of semantic conflicts in heterogeneous database systems

Abstract

Increasingly companies are doing business in an environment replete with heterogeneous information systems which must cooperate. Cooperation between these systems presupposes the resolution of the semantic conflicts that are bound to occur. In this article, we propose a classification of semantic conflicts which can be used as the basis for the incremental discovery and resolution of these conflicts. We classify conflicts along the two dimensions of naming and abstraction which, taken together, capture the semantic mapping of the conflict. We add a third dimension, level of heterogeneity to assist in the schematic mapping between two databases. The classification provides a systematic representation of alternative semantic interpretations of conflicts during the reconciliation process. As a result, the design of query‐directed dynamic reconciliation systems is possible. The classification is shown to be sound and minimal. Completeness is discussed.