What Is an Information Model?

Information model is the foundation of object-oriented analysis. Its basic idea is to describe three things: objects, object attributes, and relationships between objects. There is a certain relationship between objects, and the relationship is expressed in the form of attributes. Information models are described in two basic forms: one is a textual description form, which includes descriptions and descriptions of all objects and relationships in the system; one is a graphical representation, which provides a global perspective, considering Coherence, completeness, and consistency. ^[1]

Information model is a method used to define the general representation of information.

By using information

Information model: describes the enterprise from the perspective of information.

The goal of information modeling is to use

The basic building blocks of an information model include enterprise objects, object views, and object relationships.

The object view is simply the various reports and data existing in the enterprise.

In 1976, Peter Chen introduced entity relationship (ER) graphical symbols. He emphasized that this is a "semantic" modeling technology that is independent of any database modeling technology such as Hierarchical, CODASYL, Relational, etc. Since then, the language of information models has continued to evolve. Some examples are Integrated Definition Language 1 Extension (IDEF1X), EXPRESS Language and Unified Modeling Language (UML).

The research of Peter Chen's contemporaries such as JRAbrial (1974) and GM Nijssen (1976) led to fact-oriented modeling languages based on language propositions rather than "entities". FOM tools can be used to generate ER models, which means that modelers can avoid the time-consuming and error-prone practices of manual standardization. Based on earlier research, both object-role modeling language (ORM) and fully communication-oriented information modeling (FCO-IM) are research results.

In the 1980s, there were several ways to extend Chen's entity relationship model. In this decade, Colette Roland's REMORA is also important. The ICAM Definition (IDEF) language was developed from the US Air Force ICAM program between 1976 and 1982. According to Lee (1999), the goal of the ICAM program is to increase manufacturing productivity through the systematic application of computer technology. IDEF includes three different modeling methods: IDEF0, IDEF1, and IDEF2, which are used to generate functional models, information models, and dynamic models, respectively. IDEF1X is an extended version of IDEF1. The language is in the public domain. It is a graphical representation, designed using ER methods and relational theories. It is used to represent the "real world" in terms of entities, attributes, and relationships between entities. Standardization is enforced by KEY Structures and KEY Migration. The language recognizes the grouping (aggregation) of attributes to form a complete entity definition.

EXPRESS was created as ISO 10303-11 to formally specify the information requirements for the product data model. It is part of a set of standards, informally known as the Product Exchange Model Data Standard (STEP). It was first introduced in the early 1990s. [5] [6] Lee (1999) argues that this language is a form of textual expression. In addition, a subset of EXPRESS graphics called EXPRESS-G is also provided. EXPRESS is based on programming languages and OO paradigms. Many languages have contributed to EXPRESS. In particular, Ada, Algol, C, C ++, Euler, Modula-2, Pascal, PL / 1, and SQL. EXPRESS consists of language elements that allow for explicit object definitions and constraint specifications for defined objects. It uses SCHEMA declarations to provide partitioning, and it supports specifications for data attributes, constraints, and operations.

UML is a modeling language for specifying, visualizing, building, and documenting artifacts rather than processes of software systems. It was originally conceived by Grady Booch, James Rumbaugh and Ivar Jacobson. UML was approved as a standard by the Object Management Group (OMG) in 1997. According to Lee (1999), the language is non-proprietary and open to the public. It is a graphical representation. The language is based on an object-oriented paradigm. UML contains symbols and rules designed to represent data requirements in terms of OO diagrams. UML organizes models in many views that present different aspects of the system. The content of the view is described in a chart, which is a chart with model elements. The diagram contains model elements that represent common OO concepts, such as classes, objects, messages, and relationships between these concepts ^[2]

The Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF) provides a standard set of information models for various enterprise domains under the general heading of the Common Information Model (CIM). For a specific management domain, a specific information model is derived from CIM.

The TeleManagement Forum (TMF) has defined the high-level model (shared information / data model or SID) of the telecommunications domain as another model. This includes views from the business, service, and resource domains within the telecommunications industry. TMF has established a set of principles for OSS integration and a set of models that provide a standardized approach.

The model interacts with the information model (shared information / data model or SID) through a process model (Business Process Framework (eTOM) or eTOM) and a life cycle model.