The existing semantic gaps in ontologies are the reason why the challenges in interoperability and integrations tasks within the Semantic Web are often missed. It is due to the fact, that each ontology inherently implies a set of different model types. We argue that an ontology has to disclose the modelling method which intentionally defines the model type used in an application. This paper proposes a solution based on a generic, workflow-based description of the modelling method: the Modelling Workflow Patterns (MWP). Based on Petri nets as information model, MWPs can be processed by generic interpreters to create valid instances of the specified model type. This paper presents an implemented architecture consuming workflow modelling patterns for Topic Maps and OWL ontologies.
Ontology development is a time-consuming and error-prone process; the need for an embedded mechanism that evaluates quality and acceptance of the resultant collaborative ontology is apparent. Existing tools and methodologies lack consensus building mechanisms that must be employed in order for a team to agree on a collaborative ontology. In this paper we describe a collaborative methodology for ontology development that supports a team to reach consensus through iterative evaluations and improvements. In every cycle of the iterative process, the structure of the collaborative ontology is revised and evolved. The process terminates when the participants have no more critiques and objections.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) is a decentralized networking paradigm where autonomous parties have equivalent capabilities in providing other parties with data and/or services. On the other hand, Knowledge Management (KM) is viewed as a core capacity in order to compete in the modern social and economic environment. In the view of the emerging semantic web technologies, P2P is looking for knowledge-driven domains to better exploit its technological potential. At the same time, driven by economical and social trends, KM is questioning its centralized nature assumption and is looking for a technological paradigm in order to benefit from exploiting its distributed dimension. In this paper we discuss the state of the art and trends in both the P2P and KM fields, discuss what possible synergies can benefit integrated P2P KM solutions, and present an implemented P2P KM system.
Bibster is a semantics-based Peer-to-Peer system for exchanging bibliographic data among researchers. Bibster exploits ontologies in data storage, query formulation, query routing and answer presentation. While the original Bibster system assumed a globally shared domain ontology, we here describe extensions to the Bibster system, that allow to learn personalized ontologies from the local bibliographic metadata. These personal ontologies can not only be used for subsequently classifying the bibliographic metadata, but also for supporting an improved query refinement process.
This paper concerns the need for methodological support in providing Knowledge Management (KM) IT solutions. Due to the distributed nature of knowledge, the support of KM often requires complex, distributed IT systems, which are inherently difficult to design. We propose an agent-oriented methodology based on Tropos for the analysis and design of KM systems that offers appropriate abstractions for modeling and designing the characteristics of the organizational setting of the system. The method is illustrated using a fictitious scenario where a newcomer in a knowledge organization decides to join an existing Community of Practice (CoP) in order to share knowledge and adjust to his new working environment.
IT support for knowledge management that builds on rather standard information systems architectures, e.g. a Web server with underlying database technologies, has proven beneficial in many situations where knowledge processes supported in this way were comparatively rigid and where the value of knowledge could be reasonably easily be assessed. However, these assumptions do not hold for less rigid knowledge processes; thus, more decentralised solutions have been proposed. With SWAPSTER we have built a Peer-to-Peer knowledge management platform that avoids some of the issues that detriment centralised solutions. This platform is surveyed here. We also show methods that support new ways of socialisation enabled by the Peer-to-Peer platform.