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OTN Semantic Web (Beta)
OTN Semantic Web, now in Beta release, is a proof-of-concept application that demonstrates the use of RDF (Resource Description Framework)-based "Semantic Web" technology as the basis for a user experience that relies on dynamic relational navigation as well as Ajaxian user interfaces.
Used in conjunction with Oracle Secure Enterprise Search (SES) and appropriate metadata aggregation and annotation technology, this functionality (which is available in the form of Oracle RDF Store, a feature of Oracle Database 10g Release 2 EE) helps provide a "filtered" (or faceted) view of content that corresponds exactly to the user's interests. Imagine its value for complex content/knowledge management or business intelligence applications!
For more background about this technology, read this Technical White Paper.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does OTN Semantic Web offer a view of all OTN content?
No. OTN Semantic Web offers a view only into a subset of OTN content - specifically, that currently available via existing OTN RSS feeds.
Which browsers are supported?
Internet Explorer and Firefox are supported in this Beta. Safari is not.
How do I use OTN Semantic Web?
The left navigation bar offers a set of "filters" through which OTN content can be viewed. Simply select a filter (or several of them) to get the results you need. (Filters can also be added or removed on the fly.) To restrict your search to a certain type of content (or "collection" - e.g., new downloads, headlines, or articles), select your data source from the top navigation bar. To narrow your search to a granular keyword that is not available in the left-hand nav, use a free-text search before you apply your filter. (For example, you could select "ADF Data Control" as free-text keywords and "2006" as a filter to see all relevant content from 2006.)
For more explanation, see this brief demo.
Will OTN Semantic Web ever replace the "classic" OTN Web site?
No. We have no plans to replace the current OTN Web site with this application; if anything, they are highly complementary. OTN Semantic Web is just a really cool alternative "skin" for the OTN you know and love.
Are there other examples of this technology deployed elsewhere on Oracle.com?
Yes. The virtual Oracle Press Room Navigator has run on this same stack as a production application since Fall 2006.
Why do different collection pages have different user interfaces?
This Beta is intended to expose users to a range of Semantic Web functionality and Ajaxian UIs. For that reason you will see several different varieties of each, and we welcome your feedback about each of them.
Why do my filters disappear as I move across data sources?
The Beta as currently architected will allow you to carry over your filter choices only when launching them from the homepage - you cannot, for example, select a "Warehouse Builder" filter in "Articles" and carry it over to "Blogs," but you can carry it from the homepage to "Articles". We are very interested in your feedback about this approach.
Can I personalize my homepage permanently?
No. In the interests of a speedy deployment, we thought it best to deploy with no OTN cookie integration or authentication requirement at this time. For that reason, the Beta release does not preserve your homepage portlet preferences. Any future release may have an authentication requirement for this purpose, however.
Why can't I see MetaLink data?
Integration with the MetaLink site is out of scope for this project, but we would strongly consider making it a requirement for any future release if the user community demands it.
What does the OTN Semantic Web stack look like?
OTN Semantic Web runs on a combination of Oracle Database, Oracle SES, and metadata notation/aggregation and dynamic navigation technology from Siderean Software.
Does this application support end-user tagging?
End-user tagging is out of scope for this Beta release. Future releases may support that capability, if external and internal requirements evolve to include it.
Are RSS versions of search results available?
Yes. Look for the  in the left-hand navigation of each page.
I am seeing some inconsistencies, redundancies, and/or inaccuracies in the taxonomy. Why?
The taxonomy used in this application is a "living" document that is in constant flux. We are removing inconsistencies/redundancies and adding clarifications on an ongoing basis.
Where do I provide feedback?
Please provide your feedback in the OTN Semantic Web (Beta) Discussion Forum (registration required). We are very interested in your opinion about the usefulness (or uselessness) of this application, as well as any comments about user experience.
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