Logical information modeling of Web-accessible heterogeneous digital assets

Introduces the MREF (Metadata REFerence) framework for representing and correlating information at a higher semantic level than is possible with Web-based information systems today. The role that metadata plays in this framework is described, together with a metadata-based infrastructure to support our media-independent information correlation paradigm. To keep it consistent with evolving standards, broader acceptance and ease of implementation, MREF abstraction is structured on top of RDF and XML. Its central role in the content of the InfoQuilt system, for exploiting heterogeneous digital media using a federated and scalable architecture, is briefly described.