Migrating to an object-oriented database using semantic clustering and transformation rules

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for handling an important step of database migration. The methodology is based on a set of techniques: (i) semantic clustering, (ii) metamodeling, and (iii) knowledge-based schema transformation. Semantic clustering (i.e., grouping based on semantic cohesion) is mainly used to facilitate the process of translating an extended entity relationship schema into a schema of complex objects. Meta modeling is used to define the data models involved in the process of schema transformation. Finally, transformation rules are defined and used for mapping a schema from a source model into a schema expressed in a target model. In this paper, we limit ourselves to the mapping of an extended entity relationship diagram into an object-oriented database schema using the object model supported by the ODMG standard.