Foundations of a methodology of DBMS decoupling for evolutionary component DBMS design

DBMS decoupling is an important part of component DBMS design in which the architects must identify and factor out appropriate DBMS components. Unfortunately, we do not yet have clear understanding of the objectives and pitfalls of DBMS decoupling, least of all the formal methods that can guide the process. This paper lays out the foundations of a methodology of DBMS decoupling which reflects the intrinsic complexity of the process and provides a framework for addressing all of its objectives. Relying on a theory of implementation independence, we estimate the complexity and outline a methodology of DBMS decoupling. The method upholds an original approach to component DBMS design, vie wed as an evolving process in which the objectives of generality and extensibility are de-emphasized in favor of more practical concerns of DBMS implementors, application developers, and database users