DATA ENGINEERING
Research in Data engineering focuses on Database Design Methodologies, Workflow Management Systems and Software Dissemination through internet and pricing strategies.
An initial distributed database design methodology has been developed and a tool kit has been implemented. The problem of redesigning distributed databases has been formulated and a preventive redesign methodology has been developed. The concept of class partitioning and a methodology for class partitioning in object database systems has been developed. The problem of materialized view selection and index selection for data warehouse design has also been addressed. Workflow management systems security has been addressed by applying least privilege principle to facilitate global control over agent authorization and authentication of work done. Exceptions occur frequently during execution of workflows and can stop the work. Techniques for handling exceptions in an object-oriented workflow management system have been developed. In applications such as electronic commerce, algorithms have been developed to speed-up multiple workflows without requiring additional resources.
Internet provides a vehicle for disseminating software from a vendor to a customer. Even then most of the current software dissemination strategies over Internet mimic direct purchase of software from the vendor by the customer. But other alternatives with sophisticated licensing mechanisms dealing with concept of “pay-per-use” are feasible. They studied appropriate charging mechanisms to optimize vendor profitability and consumer gain.
Work has started on a data warehouse design tool kit. Implementation of adaptive distributed database design tool kit as also of a Secure Object-Oriented Workflow Management System that handles exceptions and can support e-commerce applications is being planned. Campus wide software dissemination through Internet with appropriate charging mechanisms using smart cards is also planned.