Abstract: The system and method federates relational and non-relational data by business users creating a virtual relational map of unrelated data in disparate systems. The method uses a declarative language to capture data relationships. As the relationships are built, it captures a virtual relational data map of all the data existing in multiple disparate systems. This virtual map can be viewed as a relational database of enterprise data, further new relationships can be added and existing relationships can be modified. The method supports any business client (user interface or programmatic) that has knowledge of how to modify the virtual relationship map or request for federated data. The map of relationships itself can be constructed and modified by users as they are working with the system unlike traditional techniques where relationships need to be predefined and likewise, new changes and additions to the map are made available to users immediately in real-time.

Abstract: A system and method for developing business application meta-objects which are application building blocks that access information from multiple information stores and nay be assembled in different combinations to service different business communities. The meta-objects permit business applications to be constructed and revised on the fly by an end-user. The business application development platform follows a model-driven approach to create business application meta-objects where each meta-object encapsulates the behavior, information and visual components. The application meta-objects may be modified by the end user without underlying development of the software code and may operate with multiple data and business logic stores. In one embodiment, the system supports a variety of post development tools permitting the end user to create, update and customize a number of aspects of the business applications, and in particular the way the data is viewed.