Next Generation Application Integration: From Simple Information to Web Services

Normalizing the Problem Domain

Before the logical—and sometimes physical—database is completed, it is desirable to normalize the model. This is a process of decomposing complex data structures into simple relations using a series of dependency rules. Normalization means reducing the amount of redundant data that will exist in the database or, in the case of application integration, in the enterprise. It is a good idea to do this in both the logical and physical database design, or the application integration redesign.

When considered within the context of application integration, the normalization process is very complex and risky. Because there can be no control over most of the databases that are being integrated, normalizing the logical enterprise ...