Universal Storable Objects (USO) are the corner-stone concept of the FlexIntel™ architecture that allows for the creation of a highly flexible and efficient object-relational reflection of a transactional data storage. This architecture can be used for medium-to-large size data structures and was successfully applied to large projects for Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America, Kikkoman International and Montgomery Securities.

 USO are a collection of automatically generated database objects that connect to or are transactional data storage. It provides its own optimized indexing and coding for every permanent and temporary data element used by related applications. In the application layer USO are represented by standard business objects that allow access to the transactional data storage for both read and write types of applications (see Schema 1.)

Schema 1      Application architecture with inclusion of Universal Storable Objects (USO)

The structure of USO is stored as a meta-layer that is also represented by the corresponding USO. The generic architecture of USO not only completely separates the application layer from the physical data storage, but allows automatically synchronize application and data layers through the generation of standard business objects from meta-layer USO. Applications based directly on the meta-layer USO have extreme flexibility, possessing the ability to accept major structural changes and dramatically reducing the costs of maintenance and TCO of a large data system. The meta-layer USO also provide a vast array of tools combined into Data Definition services that allow support transactional modifications of the data structure and can offer easy-to-use interfaces for such modifications (see Schema 2.)

Schema 2     Application architecture with the inclusion of meta-layer USO

Meta-layer USO can support reverse engineering of transactional data storage. It can be generated from business object descriptions, source tables, XML or SQL. Meta-layer USO will generate native database DDL to create a database schema with tables, views and other objects. The database schema replicates the structure of USO and can be automatically optimized for the best performance of the complete system.

The architecture of the meta-layer USO supports various application data types to provide data functions like calculations, summaries, and unions. Corresponding USO can be stored as dynamic views, stored procedures, materialized views or temporary tables.

Meta-layer USO can store definitions for special data types designed for record based security, augmentation and updates tracking. It is able to generate dynamic data definitions that can support on-request analytics, add-hoc queries and reports. It can also be updated with task-specific custom data definitions. Tools and interfaces to create such data definitions can be designed as corresponding Data Definition Services.

Representation of complex data types as USO can significantly improve system performance and simplify application layer. Expanded structure of USO presented in the Schema 3.

Schema 3     Expanded structure of Universal Storable Objects

FlexIntel™ architecture can be used as a base or an integrated part of a large data structure. Its report engine can efficiently support modules with extensive reporting output. In creating clear two-dimensional representation of nested object-based information the report engine uses a unique set of algorithms to output a multi-facet table as a resulting universal data object. The report engine provides object-based sorting and filtering, as well as superior  response time for large volumes of reporting data.

The implementation of FlexIntel™ architecture does not require a special designing approach. It can be based on standard data warehouse/data mart specifications. Flexibility of the architecture allows for the use of partial and uncertain specifications that can easily be detailed or completed within the course of a project. This architecture can guarantee optimal performance, meet most challenging requirements and insure overall success in development and the following implementation of any medium-to-large size project.