Searching for just a few words should be enough to get started. If you need to make more complex queries, use the tips below to guide you.
Article type: Research Article
Authors: Uschold, Michael
Affiliations: Semantic Arts, 7405 125th Place SE, Newcastle, WA 98056, USA. Tel.: +1 425 830 9475; E-mail: michael.uschold@semanticarts.com
Note: [] Accepted by: Leo Obrst
Abstract: This paper analyzes the similarities and differences between an ontology (focused on meaning), and a database schema (focused on data). We address questions about purpose, representation, creation, usage and semantics of each. We distill out twenty-five features that characterize these two representational artifacts, the majority of which are relevant to both. Each has a strong semantic heritage using formal logic to build conceptual models of some subject matter. And while there are differences in 90% of the features, the differences are mostly historical, not technical. We identify pros and cons for each, and notice that there is usually no free lunch. The disadvantage that you think you are getting rid of may show up elsewhere in a different and unexpected way. We close by considering how ontology contributes to enterprise data integration. The emergence of using URIs as global identifiers (e.g. in OWL) dramatically enhances data integration as well as schema reuse and sharing. The primary focus on meaning helps ontology break through a lot of unnecessary complexity that exists in large traditional databases and greatly simplifies the process of integration. Ontology is providing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for enterprise-wide data integration.
Keywords: Ontology, schema, database schema, conceptual model, logical schema, physical schema, triple store, relational database, data integration
DOI: 10.3233/AO-150158
Journal: Applied Ontology, vol. 10, no. 3-4, pp. 243-258, 2015
IOS Press, Inc.
6751 Tepper Drive
Clifton, VA 20124
USA
Tel: +1 703 830 6300
Fax: +1 703 830 2300
sales@iospress.com
For editorial issues, like the status of your submitted paper or proposals, write to editorial@iospress.nl
IOS Press
Nieuwe Hemweg 6B
1013 BG Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 688 3355
Fax: +31 20 687 0091
info@iospress.nl
For editorial issues, permissions, book requests, submissions and proceedings, contact the Amsterdam office info@iospress.nl
Inspirees International (China Office)
Ciyunsi Beili 207(CapitaLand), Bld 1, 7-901
100025, Beijing
China
Free service line: 400 661 8717
Fax: +86 10 8446 7947
china@iospress.cn
For editorial issues, like the status of your submitted paper or proposals, write to editorial@iospress.nl
如果您在出版方面需要帮助或有任何建, 件至: editorial@iospress.nl