Apple Inc.
Elastic data storage system

Abstract:

Disclosed herein are techniques for implementing a database system that provides flexible organizational aspects while retaining the ability to process and respond to database queries in an efficient manner. In particular, the techniques involve utilizing characteristics of both entity-attribute-value (EAV) database technologies and relational database technologies to provide a hybrid approach that exploits a large number of their benefits while eliminating a large number of their deficiencies. According to some embodiments, the techniques can involve implementing at least one central storage repository (configured to implement an EAV-style database), where the central storage repository provides information to at least one distributor to enable the establishment of at least one cached table (implemented in accordance with relational-style databases) within at least one cached storage device. In turn, the cached storage device can process fetch-based queries issued by client computing devices in a highly efficient manner.