The inter-database instance identification problem in integrating autonomous systems

The issue of joining information about the same instance across disparate databases in a composite information system (CIS) environment is discussed. A technique called interdatabase instance identification is presented that is a combination of database management systems and artificial intelligence techniques. Common attributes in the disparate databases are applied first to reduce the number of potential candidates for the same instance. Other attributes in these databases, auxiliary databases, and inferencing rules are utilized next to identify the same instance. A detailed example of the interdatabase instance identification technique is presented using an operational research prototype.<>