dc.description.abstract | Organizations possess data residing in varied data sources though there is no
effective way of integrating these repositories to provide information to end users
transparently. This is primarily caused by the fact that the existing data is stored in
databases that consist of varied models and techniques of both storage and access to data.
The main aim of this research was to formulate a set of algorithms to support the
development of a dataspace support platform that integrates data residing in divergent
data stores. These techniques facilitate the asscociation of data entities in a dataspace by
enabling entity coexistence for integrating data residing in divergent data stores. The
research objectives were to analyze the state of dataspace implementation, to develop a
model that outlines the criteria for successful dataspace design, to develop a dataspace
support platform that integrates data residing in divergent data stores and to conduct
experiments to validate the scalability of the implemented dataspace support platform. In
order to achieve these objectives, the soft systems theory is applied. A literature survey
approach is adopted and supplemented from the findings by use of brainstorming and
further experiments. The findings have been used to identify facts pertaining to the
principles, design and implementation of a dataspace support platform. The final outcome
consists of a set of algorithms, models and a test dataspace support platform. Access to
information is facilitated through a more scalable, flexible and transparent platform
regardless of the underlying data models. This results to a O(log n + k ) query response
time coupled with a O(n) build time on the entire dataspace. In conclusion, the triggers
for enterprise systems integration are apparent, and compliance is only one of numerous
drivers pushing organizations towards achieving a more integrated outlook of enterprise
data. With the dataspace-oriented entity associative algorithm, users can have the ability
to harness or filter informational requirements so as to enhance decision making in terms
of time, accuracy and availability of information. | en_US |