A Framework for Understanding and Classifying Ontology Applications

Abstract

For 1 ontologies to be cost-effectively deployed, we require a clear understanding of the various ways that ontologies are being used today. To achieve this end, we present a framework for understanding and classifying ontology applications. We identify four main categories of ontology applications: 1) neutral authoring, 2) ontology as specification, 3) common access to information, and 4) ontology-based search. In each category, we identify specific ontology application scenarios. For each, we indicate their intended purpose, the role of the ontology, the supporting technologies, who the principal actors are and what they do. We illuminate the similarities and differences between scenarios. We draw on work from other communities, such as software developers and standards organizations. We use a relatively broad definition of ‘ontology’, to show that much of the work being done by those communities may be viewed as practical applications of ontologies. The common thread is the need for sharing the meaning of terms in a given domain, which is a central role of ontologies. An additional aim of this paper is to draw attention to common goals and supporting technologies of these relatively distinct communities to facilitate closer cooperation and faster progress 2. 1