Adaptive Information: Improving Business Through Semantic Interoperability, Grid Computing, and Enterprise Integration (Wiley Series in Systems Engineering and Management)

Book Description

* New Paradigm for considering application integration and B2B problems
* Heightens the importance of conveying meaning between systems
* Addresses movement in the EAI space toward more data handling capabilities
* Offers a solution for the multitude of managers disconnected with the latest technologies
* Leverages the technical advances made in complex data integration over 15 years
* Shifts the focus from technology solutions to information solutions
* Relies heavily on the use of practical examples, tips, definitions, and soapbox excerpts throughout the main body of text

Customer Reviews:

Must have for business architects.......2007-06-04

As a student of SOA & adaptive business networks (composite channels), this book fills a void in my knowledge base. The book is worth buying just for the chapter on Capability Cases, a pre-use case methodology.

Unable to clear up the 'fuzziness'.......2006-02-14

You'd think that a book attempting to explain semantic technologies would make an extra effort to be as clear and practical as possible so as not to make the subject even more confusing.

I think this book would have been better if it was written by only one author. Part of the book was written clearly and was obviously directed toward a reader who was not familiar with semantic (and other, related) technologies. This author clearly laid out various ways that semantic technology is (and can be) used. Information provided about current products and companies using this technology was also very informative.

Other parts of the book, however, were written as if the reader is just as familiar with the technology as the author. It seems as though one of the authors was more concerned about how they sounded (in writing) to themselves (and possibly their colleagues) than they were in attempting to give practical knowledge about the subject to an uninformed reader. It's difficult enough to understand the subject of semantic technologies without having to fight through densely-written sentences and unnecessarily vague buzz words (like "follow-on query"??).

I was interested in learning exactly HOW this technology enables interoperability "with little or no human intervention" but found no difinitive, practical explanation of how this is achieved. Yes, I understand that ontologies and inference engines are involved, but how do they work together to remove the human part of the middleware equation? How is the "mapping" involved in semantic technologies different from the "mapping" that is involed in today's EAI solutions? I thought that this is the most exiting and unique selling proposition of this technology but I finished this book unsatisfied with how this was explained. Perhaps this selling point is more of a vision than a reality?

An ambitious but yet unfulfilled vision.......2005-12-13

How is the meaning in natural language related to the meaning in computational machines? The answer to this question is of course of immense importance to the information age, and the lack of an answer has resulted in vast financial commitments from businesses that depend heavily on information technology. The sharing of information between machines has been hampered by the lack of common understanding between these machines, since each one of them has its own way of formatting or conceptualizing the data. Even though some of these machines should definitely be characterized as `intelligent', there is of yet no machine that can communicate or share information with any arbitrarily selected machine in a manner that is independent of the nature of this information. There are some machines that are capable of interacting with many other machines in this manner, but at some point when confronted with a particular machine, they are unable to converse meaningfully without some amount of human intervention. This intervention must take place because the machines do not understanding the meaning of each other's data. They cannot conceptualize it without the assistance of a human, who must then give the appropriate (semantic) translation between the data patterns of the respective machines.

The authors of this book approach these questions in terms of what they have called `semantic interoperability.' This notion is supposed to settle the difficulties of meaning and definition that occur not only in natural language but also in communications between software applications. The context of words in digital systems is dependent on both domain cues and local cues, just as is the case for natural languages, they authors say. Data context for example influences the interpretation of data, and therefore it's meaning may change if viewed from another context or perspective. `Data semantics' then is the meaning of data, and will change as the context changes. Therefore, a successful data processing system will need to make the data semantics explicit. The authors discuss various approaches to the understanding of semantics, such as pattern analysis, schema mappings, and abductive logic. Of all the approaches discussed, the authors seem to favor the one based on abductive logic, referring to it as the least developed approach but one that shows the greatest promise in going beyond rule-based digital systems. However, the authors are incorrect in stating that this approach is not very well developed, as there are a few highly resilient systems, used primarily in bioinformatics and telecommunications, that make heavy use of abductive reasoning.

The conflicts that can occur between data on different machines motivate the authors to consider various approaches in dealing with these conflicts that does not involve customized code. After reviewing the specific types of conflicts that can occur, such as those due to data type, labeling, naming, and domain, the authors review some of the different `semantic solution patterns', for dealing with them. These include the `machine learning pattern' that is based on statistical analysis and reasoning patterns from artificial intelligence and is used to discover semantics within instance data; the `third-party reference pattern' which uses a thesaurus or ontology having a shared meaning across sources and targets; the `model-based mapping pattern' which uses well-defined metadata about context instead of mappings between data structures; and the `inference pattern' that requires a formalism to describe the semantic relationships in the system.

The authors obviously believe that these approaches are not entirely satisfactory, or they would not have written this book. Most of the book therefore is devoted to their solutions for solving semantic conflicts. Central to their approach is the role of metadata, which is viewed by the authors as forming a hierarchy with six layers: instance data (essentially "raw data"), syntactic metadata (needed to process data), structural metadata (which gives form and structure to units of data), referent metadata (to provide linkages between different data models), domain metadata (forms a "conceptual domain ontology" to provide a reference point on which all metadata can be understood), and rules (which constrain the semantics of metadata specifications).

One might call the authors approach a version of ontological engineering, the latter term being used currently to describe efforts to make data understandable in different contexts. In this regard, the authors consider four different types of ontology, namely interface (models essentially the API), process (applying to time-dependent processes), information (specification of a collection of concepts for a given scope), and policy (specification of rules of usage). Of particular interest in their discussion is that of the transformation of ontologies, which allows the moving of data from one model to another.

The approach that is advocated in this book is that of semantic interoperability, which the authors view as a `multimodal' solution since it can apply to different modes of operation and is not tied to a particular technology. A successful semantic architecture however is not a "plug-in" to be incorporated easily into standard middleware. Instead, it is an engine that is dynamic and adaptive, and responds real-time to changes by generating its own instruction sets. At first glance this engine would seem be one that is enormously complex, but the authors break it down into its modes of operation, in order to clarify just how it would function. Crucial to their conception of semantic interoperability is that it allows the discovery and utilization of new information without the intervention of a human. If such a capability can indeed be realized, it would definitely be a major advance and would justify the expense of its operation. The authors discuss in fair detail just how semantic interoperability would work in a business enterprise, at least schematically. To alleviate any skepticism on part of the reader of the reality of their ideas, they devote a large amount of space in the book to (nonproprietary and proprietary) case studies of implementation of semantic interoperability. Although these studies to not encapsulate all of the author's ideas, they do serve to convince the reader that these ideas should be taken seriously.

The bible of semantic technology.......2005-03-31

This book will not disappoint. For serious semantic web practitioners ( novice or pro ), this book is an invaluable asset. The text provides a very detailed and expansive commentary on the current 'state-of-art' in Semantic Technology, rich in case studies the authors hit their mark squarely.

If you are serious about implementing the semantic web today.......2005-02-25

This is the best book on Semantic Interoperability and Ontologies to date. Full of real solutions, atlternatives and product recommendations.

Process Innovation: Reengineering Work Through Information Technology

Average customer rating:

A great book on Process Improvement
A roadmap for process innovation and improvement
Must read

Process Innovation: Reengineering Work Through Information Technology
Thomas H. Davenport
Manufacturer: Harvard Business School Press
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Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

The Reengineering Revolution
Beyond Reengineering: How the Process-Centered Organization is Changing Our Work and Our Lives
Reengineering the Corporation: A Manifesto for Business Revolution (Collins Business Essentials)
Mission Critical: Realizing the Promise of Enterprise Systems
Business Process Improvement: The Breakthrough Strategy for Total Quality, Productivity, and Competitiveness

ASIN: 0875843662

Book Description

This hardcover edition is available only in a premium, full-cloth binding. It will not ship with a dust jacket.

Today's business environment demands significant changes in the way we do business. Simply formulating strategy is no longer sufficient; we must also design the processes to implement it effectively. The key to change is process innovation, a revolutionary new approach that fuses information technology and human resource management to improve business performance. The cornerstone to process innovation's dramatic results is information technology--a largely untapped resource, but a crucial enabler of process innovation. In turn, only a challenge like process innovation affords maximum use of information technology's potential. Davenport provides numerous examples of firms that have succeeded or failed in combining business change and technology initiatives. He also highlights the roles of new organizational structures and human resource programs in developing process innovation. Process innovation is quickly becoming the byword for industries ready to pull their companies out of modest growth patterns and compete effectively in the world marketplace.

Customer Reviews:

A great book on Process Improvement.......2005-10-08

Thank You to Tom Davenport.

This is a wise author who wrote a great book in the early 90's. It was eclipsed a bit by Hammer and Champy's "reengineering the corporation." It has never been given the press it rightfully deserves. I read this book in 1997 and have found it to be useful over and over again. This is a book of important business insights regarding process improvement through technology. Keep in mind that the book was written prior to the internet becoming mainstream. This author saw the future and wrote about it before it happened on a wide scale.

Any business person can draw from the wealth of knowledge in this book.

The book is a must read for business analysts, managers, and project leaders in the Information Technology field.

This book, Hammer and Champy's book, Books by H James Harrington, and some of the newer Six Sigma books can form a great curriculum for those professionals undertaking process improvement initiatives in their companies.

Change is constant. When will process improvements cease to be needed? This book looks at the dynamics of process innovation/change and how it pervades organizations.

In economic downtimes, innovation can spur growth. Leaders in companies can improve their competitive advantage through process innovations and benefit from the efficiencies and savings gained through process improvements.

A roadmap for process innovation and improvement.......2000-06-14

Davenport presents a practical roadmap for process improvement and process innovation which I have found very useful as a practitioner. Although not prescriptive, the text provides practitioners with useful very insights which can form the basis of an organisation's business process innovation/improvement methodology.

Must read.......2000-03-29

This is a well-written book on the subject of process or business reengineering. It is written in a non-technical language, wastes few words, and covers the entire spectrum of topics that are essential to a successful reengineering effort. The discussions place a significant emphasis on the role that information or computer technology play today in the reengineering effort, particularly how this technology can facilitate the overall effort. I found the book largely sticking to the overall thread however at times it did become a wee bit academic to flip through the sections. All in all, a very good read.

Engineering Mathematics Through Applications

Average customer rating:

A great applied textbook on engineering mathematics

Engineering Mathematics Through Applications
Kuldeep Singh
Manufacturer: Industrial Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Engineering Mathematics
Differential Equations

ASIN: 0831131705

Book Description

Provides complete detailed solutions to carefully selected exercises that reinforce the text, making it ideal an ideal self-study guide.
Written in a chatty, user-friendly manner that will help motivate the reader.
For those who might need it, an optional introductory refresher chapter covering indices, fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios is offered.
Contains calculator and mathematical software examples and exercises.

Customer Reviews:

A great applied textbook on engineering mathematics.......2007-01-19

This book is intended for use by undergraduates beginning engineering and science degree courses. The book starts with the basics of mathematics, making it suitable for those with little background in that subject. The mathematics covered includes algebra, functions, trigonometry, complex numbers, vectors, matrices, calculus including partial differentiation, differential equations, probability and statistics.

This book teaches by examples, and while the essentials of what is going on is presented, it avoids presenting one dry derivation after another. However, the book just doesn't have you solving math problems with no context either. The examples and problems are drawn from actual engineering and science problems. Thus, the examples illustrate the importance of mathematics in engineering and science. This should have the effect of motivating the engineering student to be interested in the study of mathematics. The drawing of examples from a wide variety of disciplines makes it appealing to students studying any engineering discipline. It also introduces many fundamental concepts of electrical, civil, fluid, heat and mechanical engineering. This will prepare students in any one engineering discipline to appreciate the problems and concepts of other engineering disciplines, and how to apply mathematics to those fields as well.

Each section starts with a list of learning objectives that guide the reader to the skills they ought to acquire by the end of the section. Each chapter has numerous exercises with answers provided at the end of the book. In addition, fully worked out answers are available on the publisher's web site for the book. The use of MAPLE in some examples illustrates the growing use of tools to solve mathematical and hence engineering problems. Even though they are not essential to the understanding of the mathematics, they are useful in implementation and for verification purposes. However, given the prevalence of MATLAB in engineering these days, I think that tool should have been addressed too. This book has only one appendix, consisting of a normal distribution table. The inclusion of trigonometric identities, derivatives, integrals, matrix identities, and other such items that are handy to have in one place for quick look-up would have been useful.

One of the few criticisms I have is that this book's illustrations are often more of a hindrance than a help. The shapes of the graphs don't look right, usually due to an odd choice in the range of axes. Also, generally, the diagrams are too small and drawn in such a way that it is hard to visualize what is being portrayed. This is especially true of the 3D figures.

I don't know why this book hasn't sold very well. It could be because of its very applied technique that it doesn't appeal to mathematics professors, and because of its interdisciplinary approach it does not appeal to engineering professors. If you are an engineering student or professional who needs to brush up on their mathematics, this is a very good book to have around for self-instruction or for reference, especially at the cheap used book price it commands.

Average customer rating:

ill-presented, but the information is in there somewhere

Spark Discharge
Eduard M. Bazelyan , and Yuri P. Raizer
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0849328683

Book Description

Spark Discharge is a first-of-its-kind text, providing a comprehensive and systematic description of the spark breakdown of long gas gaps. It discusses the nature of a long spark, physical peculiarities of relevant gas discharge processes, methods and results of experimental studies, and analytical and numerical models. The most important applications in high-voltage engineering are covered in a single volume. The straightforward presentation of complicated materials, the deep insight into the nature of the processes, and the simplified mathematical descriptions of the phenomena, make Spark Discharge an excellent textbook for students and an indispensable reference for researchers, physicists, and engineers.

Customer Reviews:

ill-presented, but the information is in there somewhere.......2000-09-06

This book is not for begninners, but for someone who already knows the basic stuff. The material is presented in a very ad-hoc manner. The chapters and subsections do not follow the standard "say what you are going to say - say - and say what you said" format. New concepts are thrown at you with no lead or introduction. But the material is there. So it is a good reference book. This book can use a good editor.

Advancing Sustainability through Green Chemistry and Engineering (Acs Symposium Series)

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Advancing Sustainability through Green Chemistry and Engineering (Acs Symposium Series)

Manufacturer: An American Chemical Society Publication
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0841237786

Book Description

Advancing Sustainability through Green Chemistry and Engineering focuses on the role that green chemistry and engineering plays within the field of sustainable development and on the innovations that are bringing the world closer to being a sustainable society. This book explores the frontiers of pollution prevention through technologies that are at the forefront of green chemistry and engineering. Topics covered include environmentally benign synthesis, pharmaceuticals, greener solvents, and bio-based synthesis and processing. As such, this volume illustrates that green chemistry and engineering are having pronounced impacts in a wide range of areas within chemical design, manufacture, and use. Each chapter provides an in-depth treatment of the technical aspects of a specific green chemistry and engineering innovation. It shows how research can be used in practical industrial applications, such as decreasing energy consumption, decreasing the use of toxic and persistent materials, and decreasing the consumption of non-renewable resources. Additionally, this book will serve both as a guide for improving current industrial practices and for designing future industrial systems such as eco-industrial parks.

Achieving the Competitive Edge Through Integrated Technology Management (Mcgraw-Hill Engineering and Technology Management Series)

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Achieving the Competitive Edge Through Integrated Technology Management (Mcgraw-Hill Engineering and Technology Management Series)
Gerard H. Gaynor
Manufacturer: Mcgraw-Hill (Tx)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0070234442

Flow and Dispersion through Groups of Obstacles (Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications Conference Series New Series)

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Flow and Dispersion through Groups of Obstacles (Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications Conference Series New Series)

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0198511906

Book Description

This book contains a selection of papers from an IMA conference on flow and dispersion through groups of obstacles. The papers all concern the problem of modelling the flow through large numbers of obstacles, and of predicting the disperion of material transported by the flow.

Spatial Statistics through Applications (Advances in Ecological Sciences)

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Spatial Statistics through Applications (Advances in Ecological Sciences)

Manufacturer: Wit Pr/Computational Mechanics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Spatial statistics has emerged as an important new field of science with a great power for visualization. This volume provides an overview of existing methodology, together with details of new theoretical developments and some practical applications. Although the coverage is broad and the topics diverse, the same themes recur thus highlighting the underlying unity of the field.

Structural Materials Engineering Application Through Scientific Insight: The Donald McLean Symposium (Book / Institute of Materials)

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Structural Materials Engineering Application Through Scientific Insight: The Donald McLean Symposium (Book / Institute of Materials)

Manufacturer: Ashgate Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
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ASIN: 0901716820

Technical Mathematics Through Applications

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Technical Mathematics Through Applications
Juliana Corn
Manufacturer: Saunders College Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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