- From: Peter F. Patel-Schneider <pfps@research.bell-labs.com>
- Date: Thu, 06 Dec 2001 20:52:17 -0500
- To: connolly@w3.org
- Cc: phayes@ai.uwf.edu, janet@w3.org, bert@w3.org, em@w3.org, liam@w3.org, www-webont-wg@w3.org
Here is a stab at a replacement: XML provides syntax for W3C's RDF, a language for expressing metadata (information about information). RDF is the first step towards the Semantic Web, a web where not just uninterpreted data is passed between traditional applications, but instead one where self-describing information, and eventually true knowledge, can be transferred between autonomous agents---programs that reside in the web and that can cooperate with other such agents to achieve ad hoc tasks without preexisting agreements between them concerning the meaning of the data they exchange. To communicate such information, mechanisms for agreeing on the meanings of terms are needed, just as people need to have agreement on the meanings of the words they employ in their communication. Collections of meanings for terms in a certain area (from "shopping" to "manufacturing") are called ontologies and are a necessary part of the Semantic Web. RDF, ontologies, and the representation of meaning needed so that computers can bettter help people do work are all topics of W3C's Semantic Web Activity. I've tried to skirt fairly close to my hype limit, as this is, after all, sort of a press release. I'm certainly not totally happy with this paragraph. It is rather hype-y for my taste, and may have too little about XML in it for an ``XML in 10 Points'' document. The introduction of ontologies also does not flow as well as I would like. peter
Received on Thursday, 6 December 2001 20:53:15 UTC