A multidatabase system (MDBS) integrates information from multiple pre-existing local databases. A major challenge for global query optimization in an MDBS is that some required local information about local database systems such as local cost models may not be available at the global level due to local autonomy. A feasible method to tackle this challenge is to group local queries on a local database system into classes and then use the costs of sample queries from each query class to derive a cost formula for the class via regression analysis. This paper discusses the issues on how to classify local queries so that a good cost formula can be derived for each query class. Two classification approaches, i.e. bottom-up and top-down, are suggested. The relationship between these two approaches is discussed. Classification rules that can be used in the approaches are identified. Problems regarding composition and redundancy of classification rules are studied. Classification algorithms are given. To test the membership of a query in a class, an efficient algorithm based on ranks is introduced. In addition, a hybrid classification approach that combines the bottom-up and top-down ones is also suggested. Experimental results demonstrate that the suggested query classification techniques can be used to derive good local cost formulas for global query optimization in an MDBS.
