The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on the 8th that a research team led by Professor Kim Min-soo from the Department of Computer Science developed a new database system called 'Chimera' that fully integrates relational databases and graph databases. It is expected to be utilized in artificial intelligence (AI) services and industrial sites, as it allows for quick verification of how various pieces of information are connected.
Relational databases are a method of storing data in a manner that allows for easy searching and calculation, similar to organizing data in an Excel spreadsheet. However, understanding complex relationships involving people, events, and places requires more than just tables.
On the other hand, graph databases display data by connecting 'points' and 'lines'. For example, if person A is connected to friend B and B works at company X, then the points represent people and companies, while the lines indicate friendships or employment relationships. This makes it easy to access various information related to an individual. Graph databases are actively utilized in social media, finance, and e-commerce for managing friendships, transaction records, and recommended searches.
Until now, it has been challenging to use relational databases and graph databases together. Connecting data led to slower speeds, and insufficient memory could cause errors. Additionally, even if the data was changed, the updates were not immediately reflected in the graph database, making it difficult to check for the latest information.
The Chimera developed by Professor Kim's research team solved these problems. It stores relational databases and graph databases simultaneously and applies technology that allows both data types to be processed at the same time. As a result, data can be searched up to 280 times faster than with existing systems.
Chimera ensures that no errors occur, regardless of the amount of data, and that the latest information can always be verified immediately. Professor Kim noted, "In an era where data connections are becoming increasingly complex, technology like Chimera is essential," and said, "It will be widely used in various fields such as AI, finance, and e-commerce."
References
Association for Computing Machinery (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.14778/3705829.3705845