Attaching (embedding?) RDF

I would like to attach RDF metadata to files. So far I have identified 
the following options for doing so, all of which have drawbacks:

1. given a file foo.pdf, store the metadata in a file foo.pdf.rdf in 
the same directory

Main drawbacks:

- if the file is moved or renamed, the metadata must be moved with it

2. store the metadata in a central repository, with a link (URI) to the 
file

Main drawbacks:

- again, if the file is moved or renamed, the link becomes invalid
- requires a central repository

3. embed the metadata in the file format

Main drawbacks:

- doesn't work with every file type
- different handling for each file type required

4. create an archive file which groups the file and its metadata (e.g. 
jar)

Main drawbacks:

- requires unpackaging and repackaging every time the file needs to be 
accessed

Does anybody have any insights or ideas on how to improve the suggested 
methods, or provide me with other alternatives?

Best regards,

Martin May
University of Aberdeen

Received on Monday, 27 October 2003 13:10:55 UTC