Literature on information integration across databases tacitly assumes that the data in each database can be revealed to the other databases. However, there is an increasing need for sharing information across autonomous entities in such a way that no information apart from the answer to the query is revealed. We formalize the notion of minimal information sharing across private databases, and develop protocols for intersection, equijoin, intersection size, and equijoin size. We also show how new applications can be built using the proposed protocols. End-to-end Integration: E-business on demand requires end-to-end integration of information systems, from the supply chain to the customer-facing systems. This integration occurs across autonomous enterprises, so full disclosure of information in each database is undesirable. Outsourcing: Enterprises are outsourcing tasks that are not part of their core competency. They need to integrate their database systems for purposes such as inventory control. Simultaneously compete and cooperate: It is becoming common for enterprises to cooperate in certain areas and compete in others, which requires selective information sharing. Government agencies need to share information for devising effective security measures, both within the same government and across governments. However, an Currently at
This literature typically assumes that all information in each database can be freely shared REF .
Information sharing across private databases
SIGMOD '03
Computer Science