Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing an ontological query for data from any of a plurality of different databases on a network coupled to a computer that includes loading a ontological data model comprising a plurality of logical models based on data from the plurality of different databases, compiling the ontological query and optimizing 48 the compiled ontological query according to join and combination rules based on the logical models and describing meta-properties of the data and meta-relationships based on the meta-properties between the data from the plurality of different databases, and processing logical operations on the compiled ontological query.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing an ontological query for data from any of a plurality of different databases on a network coupled to a computer that includes loading a ontological data model comprising a plurality of logical models based on data from the plurality of different databases, compiling the ontological query and optimizing 48 the compiled ontological query according to join and combination rules based on the logical models and describing meta-properties of the data and meta-relationships based on the meta-properties between the data from the plurality of different databases, and processing logical operations on the compiled ontological query.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention provide a system for, and method of, exploring relationships in data stored in a computer readable medium. A query is received having at least one operator chosen from a set of operators that includes relational operators and having at least one input and output associated with the operator and defined as a table having at least one domain having a type associated therewith. The query is transformed into a set program having at least one operation structure, corresponding to the operator and having logic for type-independently performing an operation, corresponding to the operator, and having a data relation structure, cooperating with the operation structure, for handling all data access and storage associated with the operation.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention provide a system for, and method of, exploring relationships in data stored in a computer readable medium. A query is received having at least one operator chosen from a set of operators that includes relational operators and having at least one input and output associated with the operator and defined as a table having at least one domain having a type associated therewith. The query is transformed into a set program having at least one operation structure, corresponding to the operator and having logic for type-independently performing an operation, corresponding to the operator, and having a data relation structure, cooperating with the operation structure, for handling all data access and storage associated with the operation.