When to Access and Modify Information in Multiple Databases

Despite their best efforts to consolidate information, many organizations find themselves with multiple, distributed databases. Even if these organizations might prefer to centralize this data, at least in the short term, it might not be possible. These organizations must have a method of accessing these distributed data sources as if they were a single, centralized database. Using distributed SQL, applications and users can access and modify information at multiple Oracle or non-Oracle databases as if it resided in a single Oracle database.

Because information does not need to be moved or copied, using distributed SQL to federate their distributed data sources provides organizations with the fastest, and easiest, path to information integration. If information is later moved, then it is not necessary to rewrite an application. This is especially useful for organizations that are transitioning to a consolidated approach, but need a method for accessing the distributed data now.

For example, by using distributed SQL with the appropriate Oracle Database Gateway, applications can access legacy data immediately, without waiting until it can be imported into an Oracle Database. Distributed SQL is also useful to organizations that want to perform ad hoc queries or updates on infrequently accessed data that is more appropriately located elsewhere.