Data Space FAQWhat is a Data Space?A Data Space is an atomic point of presence in cyberspace (Internet, Web, Blogosphere, Wikisphere etc.) for interacting with Data, Information, Knowledge, and Services. Its content may be imported from, or simply point to data in, other Data Spaces. In all cases the content is either transient (generated “on the fly”) or persistent (supported by cache synchronization schemes).What would you typically find in a Data Space?The following:
How do Data Spaces and Databases differ?Data Spaces are fundamentally problem-domain-specific database applications. They offer functionality that you would instinctively expect of a database (e.g. AICD data management) with the additional benefit of being data model and query language agnostic. Data Spaces are for the most part DBMS Engine and Data Access Middleware hybrids in the sense that ownership and control of data is inherently loosely-coupled.How do Data Spaces and Content Management Systems differ?Data Spaces are inherently more flexible, they support multiple data models and data representation formats. Content management systems do not possess the same degree of data model and data representation dexterity.How do Data Spaces and Knowledgebases differ?A Data Space cannot dictate the perception of its content. For instance, what I may consider as knowledge relative to my Data Space may not be the case to a remote client that interacts with it from a distance, Thus, defining my Data Space as Knowledgebase, purely, introduces constraints that reduce its broader effectiveness to third party clients (applications, services, users etc..). A Knowledgebase is based on a Graph Data Model resulting in significant impedance for clients that are built around alternative models. To reiterate, Data Spaces support multiple data models. What Architectural Components make up a Data Space?
Where do Data Spaces fit into the Web's rapid evolution?They are an essential part of the burgeoning Data Web / Semantic Web. In short, they will take us from data “Mash-ups” (combining web accessible data that exists without integration and repurposing in mind) to “Mesh-ups” (combining web accessible data that exists with integration and repurposing in mind). Weblog FAQ | Briefcase FAQ | Feed Manager FAQ | Mail FAQ | Bookmark FAQ | Gallery FAQ | Discussion FAQ | Community FAQ |