An interesting discussion is occurring on the Linking Open Data mailing list about whether Linked Data is an application or a capability. This is a tough question, and I would actually say both, here are my reasons:
Linked Data: The Application
Linked Data uses Semantic Web technology to link one object to another object over knowledge domains. Added to this point is that Linked Data uses the vast history (research + implementation) of Distributed Objects.
Linked Data: The capability
Semantic Web technology allows for one object to connect to another object in a different knowledge domain, therefore creating Linked Data. Data in the Semantic Web (and the Web) was always supposed to be distributed, therefore, Linked Data has always been part of the Semantic Web Technology Stack.
EITHER WAY
Either way:- interconnecting objects internally and externally (across knowledge domains), reusing existing ontologies (and schemas) and exploiting HTTP capabilities is an integral part of the future of the Web. It is good practice, hey, we could even go as far as saying that this stuff is essential for contemporary and future web applications.
Linked Data: A killer app?
If we can say that Linked Data is an application, then is it a “killer app“? I don’t know, I’ve never liked the term “killer app”…. all I can say is that Linked Data is a very very important component for meaningful data, and could be used for some very very useful applications.
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