Abstract: Techniques for identifying files for data write operations are described. According to various embodiments, streams of mixed data are sorted based on various criteria and/or filters to generate individual sets of like data. The data sets are buffered in individual data queues in preparation to be written to persistent storage. According to various embodiments, files are requested for storing the data sets. For instance, a file request is submitted that includes write parameters for a data set. Based on the write parameters, a file is identified and selected for storing the data set. An identifier for the file is provided that enables the data set to be written to the file.

Abstract: Described is associating metadata with different sources of data (e.g., database tables) that allows a single view of data from the sources to be created. An administrator creates baseviews corresponding to database tables and associates metadata with the baseviews, including primary key metadata for the baseviews and meta-tags for one or more of the columns of each baseview. A user selects fields (corresponding to table columns) from a starting baseview, along with fields from any other baseview that has metadata that matches the starting baseview's metadata. A join mechanism automatically creates the view if a metadata match is detected.