Information catalog system with object-dependent functionality

摘要

An information catalog database system (2) is disclosed for cataloging information stored in one or more data storage resources (12-24) under the control of one or more data processing nodes (4). The catalog system (2) includes a cataloging service facility (60)_for performing one or more information cataloging functions to organize and present a graphical view of the information stored in the data storage resource (12-24). The information cataloging functions are categorized into a plurality of defined function categories. An object generation facility generates one or more meta-data objects corresponding to units of information stored in the data storage resource (12-24). The meta-data objects contain attributes defining characteristics of the information units to which they correspond and the meta-data objects are assigned to one or more of the function categories to define the information cataloging functions which may be performed on the meta-data objects. A user interface is provided for executing the information cataloging functions on the meta-data objects in response to user input.