Federated query is simply the ability to search several geographically and technologically disparate computer systems and present the results in a unified and understandable context. This isn't as easy as it sounds because different databases use a variety of semantics to describe and access highly similar data.

For example, one system might store a person's name as Last, First, and Middle Initial, while another system stores it as First_Name, Middle_Name, and Surname.  To further complicate matters, the language used to actually retrieve the information from the database may require use of special syntax and conditional statements.

Some traditional approaches have been used to leverage data stored in different systems but these methods have some drawbacks.

Point-to-point connections involve the custom coding of proprietary data connectors between each system. These are susceptible because they are:

• expensive due to required development
• prone to complexity
• inflexible to source system modifications

Data warehouses involve massaging source system data and depositing it into a central repository with a common format. This approach is characterized by:

• additional expense due to hardware requirements
• data from the warehouse is non-current due to the batch-oriented nature of transformation and loading
• source data providers relinquish ownership and control

A New Way - Visiphor's Briyante Integration Environment creates federated query systems that provide:

• fully-distributed, service oriented architecture
• standards-based Microsoft .NET Web Services
• preservation of data ownership and control
• rapid deployment
• access to real time data
• easy connectivity to any ODBC or OLEDB compliant database
• maximum leverage of source systems with no modifications required
• patented dynamic SQL that automatically generates "on the fly" queries customized for each database being searched
• one-click generation of Web services to securely publish and consume shared data
• co-existence and interoperation with data warehouse, ESB, ETL, EAI and other integration frameworks and architectures
• basic extract, transform and load functionality where required
• a visual mapping and configuration environment that abstracts complexity and puts the power of integration directly in the hands of business analysts and managers