The LDTM applies optimization methods to filter data and reduce the number of rows to be processed. For example, the LDTM can use early selection optimization to move a filter closer to the source. It can use pushdown optimization to push transformation logic to a database. It can use the cost-based optimization method to change the join processing order. When you develop a mapping, you can choose an optimizer level that determines which optimization methods the LDTM can apply to the mapping.

The LDTM determines whether to use the ASCII or Unicode data movement mode for mappings that read from a flat file or relational source. The LDTM determines the data movement mode based on the character sets that the mapping processes. When a mapping processes all ASCII data, the LDTM selects the ASCII mode. In ASCII mode, the Data Integration Service uses use one byte to store each character, which can optimize mapping performance. In Unicode mode, the service uses two bytes for each character.