Semantic Annotation for Process Models: - Department of Computer ...

16 CHAPTER 2. PROBLEM SETTING
2.3 Information Systems and Semantic Web
As the development of the Web, more and more Information Systems start to be implemented
using Web technology. Some Web technologies, e.g. Semantic Web techologies,
are introduced into Information Systems development. On the other hand, the Web
applications also benefit from traditional Information Systems theories and practices.
COEUR-SW (Concepts On Enhancing, Understanding and Representing the Semantics
on the Web) triangle [170] discloses how an Information Systems on the Semantic
Web comply with the semiotic triangle [121]. COEUR-SW triangle is developed based
on the semiotic triangle in the IS group at IDI 3 . In the COEUR-SW triangle (see Figure
2.2), a concept in a Universe of Thought (UoT) is related to an uttered symbol
in a Universe of Language (UoL), the symbol is related to a referent in a Universe of
Structure (UoS), and the referent is related back to the concept. The concept, the
symbol and the referents are related to a context in the Universe of Discourse (UoD).
The COEUR-SW program approaches the UoD from three interrelated angles and thus
seeks to capture the heart of the Semantic Web. Domain modeling is used in order
to capture the knowledge within a UoT into a man/machine understandable theory
in a UoS. Ontology Mapping is used in order to capture the utterances in a UoL into
man/machine-retrievable knowledge. Metadata analysis is used in order to capture the
theories in a UoS into enriched man/machine generative utterances in a UoL.
Figure 2.2: COEUR-SW triangle
COEUR-SW triangle defines three roles of the Web in Information Systems [170]:
• the role of the dominant medium for information dissemination;
• the role of the tool for information compilation;
• the role of the evolving information repository.
3 Dept. of Computer and Information Science at Norwegian University of Science and Technology