Virtual Objects for Aggregating Multi-Source Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing systems require multiple searches and queries to retrieve data from multiple sources, especially when data is distributed across different on-demand databases or services providers, leading to complexity and increased development costs for customer organizations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing virtual objects in an on-demand database environment that allow for the association and integration of internal and external data sources, enabling a single transaction to retrieve and aggregate data from multiple sources, including multi-tenant databases and publicly accessible search engines or social networking sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple searches and queries are performed to retrieve data from multiple sources, then data completeness is improved, but system complexity and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data sources (internal databases and external services) into a unified virtual object framework. The system creates virtual objects that represent external services and integrates them with internal data sources, allowing a single query to retrieve data from multiple sources simultaneously. This merging approach maintains data completeness while reducing the number of separate search operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual objects as intermediary elements between the client and multiple data sources. These virtual objects act as mediators that abstract the complexity of accessing different data sources. The virtual object framework translates a single client request into coordinated queries across multiple sources, managing system complexity through a standardized intermediate layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple searches and queries are performed to access distributed data, then data scope is improved, but development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtual object framework that can represent and access multiple types of data sources (internal databases, external services, cloud storage) through a common interface. This multi-functional framework allows the system to adapt to various data sources without requiring separate development for each source type, thereby expanding data scope while controlling development costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data access architecture into independent virtual objects, each representing a specific data source or service. This segmentation allows the system to independently manage and access different data sources through standardized interfaces, making it easier to add new sources without redesigning the entire system, thus reducing development costs while maintaining broad data scope.
3Quantity of substance
If data is retrieved from multiple distributed sources, then information completeness is improved, but query processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-establishing virtual objects and their relationships with underlying data sources. The system pre-configures the virtual object framework with metadata about data sources, enabling faster query routing and execution. This preliminary setup reduces the time required to resolve and execute queries against multiple distributed sources during actual operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided mechanisms and methods for implementing virtual objects in an on-demand database environment. For example, in one embodiment, mechanisms include receiving a data request at a host organization, wherein the data request specifies a first data source internal to the host organization and further specifies a second data source external to the host organization; retrieving first data results from the first data source based on the data request; retrieving second data results from the second data source based on the data request; and returning aggregated data results responsive to the data request based on the first data results and the second data results retrieved. In one embodiment, the internal data source is a multi-tenant database within the host organization.