A Data-Oriented Architecture for Loosely Coupled Real-Time Information Systems

In this paper, we present an architectural pattern called Data Oriented Architecture (DOA). Motivation is the fact that on the one hand we face a shift to the usage of more and more mobile devices but on the other hand most services in the Internet still use a classic client-server-approach. Data is mainly produced at private devices today and put on centralized servers afterwards. This situation reflects the actual reality better: data is shared directly among users without the need of centralized sources. Three key facts distinguish DOA from existing approaches: First, DOA does not bind data to a specific location. Data is defined by the application which produced it and not an address of a location where it is currently stored. Second, DOA is a holistic approach that comprises a suitable data structure, data access methods and a message exchange protocol. Thus, DOA can be easily implemented and used right away. Third, in DOA, users can decide which data they want to keep private and which data they want to share. Shared data becomes a "public good" that is not owned by a specific entity but belongs to the community.