Semantic Distance, the Next Step?

Abstract

Enterprise integration has, in the past, focused on strategies for complete harmonization of various dimensions using collected technologies and techniques. The virtual enterprise case presents us, almost by definition, with cases where preharmonized infrastructure is neither feasible nor desirable. Through international workshops, the community has identified a next-generation strategy for how to measure the imperfections in integration that will be encountered. Presumably, a new class of tools and strategies will emerge. The idea is still very early in its life. This chapter presents a snapshot of early conclusions. One proposal of a strategy is outlined.