Abstract: A method and system for accessing information or data from distributed databases is disclosed. Generally, the method includes the steps of receiving an unstructured query from a user, generalizing the query to expand the query, receiving from the user selected terms of the expanded query, searching a directory for database tables and/or attributes matching the selected terms, and generating a pictorial query using database tables suggested as relevant by the search. Thereafter, an SQL query may be generated to retrieve the relevant data from the actual distributed databases.

Abstract: A method and system for im porting database information or data is disclosed. Generally, the method includes the steps of receiving first information relating to the first database, extracting from the first database second information, processing the second information to provide at least a first expanded name relating to a first item of the second information, and storing the first expanded name, for example in a database structure, such as a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (“LDAP”) directory. Thereafter, the method may include the step of processing a query directed to obtaining information from distributed database, including the first database.