Tim at HISTalk poses a poingnant question: Could Everybody’s ADT System Use the Same Database Schema? Some excerpts:
What I was really thinking about is the idea that the database design tells you how the application works. If that’s true, then what technical functions of the vendor add the most value? Is it database design, GUI design, algorithms, content, or something else? If our vendor’s competitor got a copy of the schema I was looking at, would it really reveal any proprietary secrets or otherwise turn on their lightbulbs with great ideas to change their own app? ...
