IDEF1X97 consists of two conceptual modeling languages. The key-style language supports data/information modeling and is downward compatible with the US government’s 1993 standard, FIPS PUB 184. The identity-style language is based on the object model with declarative rules and constraints.IDEF1X97 identity style includes constructs for the distinct but related components of object abstraction: interface, requests, and realization; utilizes graphics to state the interface; and defines a declarative, directly executable Rule and Constraint Language for requests and realizations. IDEF1X97 conceptual modeling supports implementation by relational databases, ext...

This project will define the standard syntax and semantics of IDEF1X97. IDEF1X97 will consist of two modeling languages, a key-style data modeling language which is downward compatible with the IS Government's standard for data modeling (FIPS PUB 184), and an identity-style language suitable for object-oriented modeling. Key-style models are data models providing a structured representation of the data, the relationships among the data, and the business rules. Identity-style models are object models providing a structured representation of the objects, the static and dynamic relationships among them, and the business rules.

The US Air Force ICAM program and commercial development of similar techniques, yielded the first versions of IDEF 1X in the 1980s. A US Government Standard (FIPS PUB 184) published in 1993 formally defined the language. Continued evolution of the language and techniques will enable their use in significant information system development efforts, and ensure a common definition among all users, government and commercial.