Ontology problem in e Commerce applications

Abstract

Originating in AI semantic networks, ontologies are becoming an essential component of many modern systems. An ontology is a set of specifications, relationships and constraints that describe a certain domain. These specifications capture the concepts pertaining to the domain. Research in this domain is now witnessing intensive efforts due to the growth and success of distributed computing systems in real world applications such as eCommerce, eHealth, eLearning and other eServices. Though at the core of modern distributed technologies, such as multi-agent systems, the ontology issue has sometimes been considered secondary and related issues are underestimated. In this paper, we attempt to address the ontology issue in modern distributed services, and the various problems to be investigated, with special emphasis on eCommerce systems. Our paper illustrates how the semantic-web initiative integrates with ontology. It critically appraises existing solutions, and offers ideas for tackling major ontological issues in eServices.