JoeA (1/2/2009)

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Hi Grant - I just came across this discussion and was wondering how your project is going.

I'm on a team that is reengineering a very large application (was overgrown 2tier RAD tool based and relational, lot's of very complex procedures, lacking documentation, etc). We will be redesigning the DB and application from the ground up and using NHibernate at the core of the DAL. I share some of your concerns. But I'm not too worried.

I'm the data architect and have worked with the app architects before, elsewhere. On our former projects we've always enjoyed a nice balance of respect between the DB design and the OO needs for the application. Our database design is a first class citizen, as is the object model. For us, data is the most valuable asset and it needs to have integrity and quality. It will be used by downstream systems like enterprise reporting and out external customers.

We work together as a team on a continuous basis; no over the wall or ivory tower mentality from either side. That makes all the difference in the world.

So, what have you learned from your ORM project so far?