Application Data Object Updates via Reverse ETL Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing database systems face challenges in efficiently aligning applications with the source of truth information, particularly in cloud-based environments, where data needs to be synchronized across multiple applications while maintaining a central source of truth.
Innovation Solution
A reverse ETL manager is employed to extract, transform, and load data from a shared storage platform to application layers using application connectors and external functions, establishing the storage platform as a central hub for all applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is stored in a centralized database system, then data access and management are simplified, but data synchronization across multiple applications becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the traditional ETL approach where data flows from source systems to a centralized warehouse, this patent implements reverse ETL where data is pushed from the centralized data warehouse back to application layers. The architecture inverts the data flow direction by using webhooks and event-driven mechanisms to automatically push updated data to subscribed applications, eliminating the need for applications to continuously query the database for changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures webhook subscriptions and event listeners in advance, so that when data changes occur in the centralized database, the notification and data push mechanisms are already in place and ready to execute immediately. This preliminary setup ensures that data synchronization happens automatically without delay when changes occur.
2Speed
If multiple applications access a shared database directly, then data access speed improves, but data consistency and the single source of truth principle deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of webhooks and event-driven architecture that mediates between the centralized database and multiple applications. Instead of applications directly accessing the database, they subscribe to webhook events that are triggered by database changes. This intermediary mechanism ensures that all applications receive consistent data updates from the single source of truth without direct database access conflicts.
3Reliability
If traditional ETL processes are used to synchronize data to applications, then data centralization is maintained, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service data synchronization where applications automatically subscribe to relevant data changes through webhook configurations. When data changes occur in the centralized database, the system automatically pushes updates to subscribed applications without requiring manual ETL job scheduling or intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for complex ETL orchestration while maintaining data centralization.
4Measurement precision
If frequent data updates are pushed to all applications, then data freshness is improved, but network bandwidth and system resources are overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective data push mechanisms where different applications receive only the specific data changes relevant to their needs. The webhook subscription system allows each application to configure its own data filters and preferences, so that data updates are pushed with local quality tailored to each application's requirements rather than broadcasting all changes to all applications uniformly.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for configuring application data object updates. For example, a method includes retrieving, by at least one hardware processor, configuration information associated with an application executing on a first computing node. An authentication of the application is performed based on a secure identifier in the configuration information. An application programming interface (API) is executed to retrieve data from a second computing node based on a successful completion of the authentication. A data object of the application is updated with the retrieved data.