Andreas Maier1, Hans-Peter Schnurr1, and York Sure 2
1 Ontoprise GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany
maier@ontoprise.de,
schnurr@ontoprise.de
WWW:
http://www.ontoprise.de
2 Institute AIFB, University of
Karlsruhe, Germany
sure@aifb.uni-karlsruhe.de
WWW:
http://www.aifb.uni-karlsruhe.de/WBS/
Abstract. Abstract. Information
integration is still one of today's hottest IT topics. Neither merging
the information from di erent data sources nor preparing it for the end
user's access has been completely solved. The goal of this paper is to
present a holistic approach to integration by using ontologies and
logic. There are several reasons for an ontology-based approach:
Ontologies are able to cover all occurring data structures, for
ontologies can be seen as nowadays most advanced knowledge
representation model. They are able to cover complexity, for the
combination with deductive logic extends the mapping and business logic
capabilities. As the model is separated from the data storage, we get a
higher degree of abstraction, whereby the semantics of the whole system
is increased. Ontologies are extendible and highly reusable and deliver
the user a better access to his relevant content. In this paper we
describe how current capabilities of knowledge representation, mapping
of structures and description of the business logic are extended. In an
elaborated case study of a speci c R&D process in the automobile
industry [Ste03] we demonstrate that the complex integration process can
be realized much easier, faster, more understandable and less expensive
than before, without changing the existing IT legacy environment.