February, 2003 Meeting - 7:00 PM

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Persistence Architectures: Issues and Practices
Donald Smith

One of the major challenges faced by enterprise Java developers is overcoming the mismatch between objects and databases. Storing objects in Java is more than simple JDBC calls; a solid design incorporates a persistence layer that separates the details of the database from the business logic. The persistence layer should address mapping and run-time issues such as caching, object identity, inheritance, legacy database integration, querying, stored procedure use, storing objects across multiple tables, and transaction management. Additional challenges arise through the use of multi-tier architectures and application servers. Moreover, customers face challenges with disparate data sources and objects need to be mapped and integrated with relational data, mainframe data and ERP systems.

Enterprise JavaBeans developers face additional challenges. Deciding what kind of EJB architecture should be used for data-centric enterprise applications, determining what persistence strategies are best suited to EJB, and understanding the problems specific to EJB are among the key issues that must be addressed.

The purpose of this talk is to outline the persistence issues for Java objects and EJBs, and to describe the various strategies employed by persistence layers to solve these problems. We will also discuss these challenges and solutions in the context of various EJB application architectures. It is assumed the audience has some familiarity with Enterprise JavaBeans. Basic relational database and object modeling knowledge are also assumed.

Speaker Bio:

Donald Smith is a Technology Director at Oracle Corporation. Donald Smith has been Product Manager for the industry leading TopLink Persistence Architecture product. Donald spent several years as consultant for WebGain (formerly The Object People) focusing on persistence projects including object-relational and OO Database architectures. Aside from product management and consulting he has also instructed at all skill levels on several popular database related products including TopLink, Object Extender, GemStone and JDBC. Donald brings together the experiences of dozens of customers and projects from around the world and includes small "dot-com" through to Fortune 50 companies.