Abstract: A directory includes information about various systems (e.g., applications, processes, tasks, objects, services) and data, and may include data ownership information. The directory may define existing systems, corresponding locations by address, and corresponding semantic names. The directory may also specify the role of each system, e.g., a consumer or provider role. The directory may also define a scope of data a provider system can provide. As such, the directory may also include information about whether and how such data is being replicated. When a user requests data, a service may, based on the directory, determine and select an appropriate provider system for the data. The service may further create a subscription process to provide the user a local cache of the requested data. With such directory information, a service can provide data access services that integrate subscription processes.

Abstract: A request is received to initiate an operation (e.g., a query, etc.) on a view on a business object type. Such a request contains data characterizing the view which in turn characterizes a plurality of hierarchically arranged elements. Such elements characterized are associated with elements characterized by one or more business objects types. Thereafter, the operation is performed on the elements of the two or more business objects types. Responsive results of the operation responsive are mapped to the elements of the virtual business object type. After such mapping occurs, a message is generated that contains the results of the request in a structure compatible with the view.

Abstract: A request is received to initiate an operation (e.g., a query, etc.) on a view on a business object type. Such a request contains data characterizing the view which in turn characterizes a plurality of hierarchically arranged elements. Such elements characterized are associated with elements characterized by one or more business objects types. Thereafter, the operation is performed on the elements of the two or more business objects types. Responsive results of the operation responsive are mapped to the elements of the virtual business object type. After such mapping occurs, a message is generated that contains the results of the request in a structure compatible with the view.