Model Driven Architecture and Ontology Development

by Dragan Gasevic, Dragan Djuric, Vladan Devedžić

Defining a formal domain ontology is generally considered a useful, not to say necessary step in almost every software project. This is because software deals with ideas rather than with self-evident physical artefacts. However, this development step is hardly ever done, as ontologies rely on well-defined and semantically powerful AI concepts such as description logics or rule-based systems, and most software engineers are largely unfamiliar with these. Gaevic and his co-authors try to fill this gap by covering the subject of MDA application for ontology development on the Semantic Web. Part I of their book describes existing technologies, tools, and standards like XML, RDF, OWL, MDA, and UML. Part II presents the first detailed description of OMGs new ODM (Ontology Definition Metamodel) initiative, a specification which is expected to be in the form of an OMG language like UML. Finally, Part III is dedicated to applications and practical aspects of developing ontologies using MDA-based languages. The book is supported by a website showing many ontologies, UML and other MDA-based models, and the transformations between them. 'The book is equally suited to those who merely want to be informed of the relevant technological landscape, to practitioners dealing with concrete problems, and to researchers seeking pointers to potentially fruitful areas of research. The writing is technical yet clear and accessible, illustrated throughout with useful and easily digestible examples.' from the Foreword by Bran Selic, IBM Rational Software, Canada. 'I do not know another book that offers such a high quality insight into UML and ontologies.' Steffen Staab, U Koblenz, Germany

311 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking to tackle the breadth of knowledge modeling with a machine gun pace, then this is the book for you. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely rewarding for those who power through.

[Dimitris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely not for the faint-hearted yet can anyone else recommend a better book on Model driven architecture and ontology development than this?