Fact Sheet on Semantic Web

What is the Semantic Web? "The Semantic Web is an extension of the current web in which information is given well-defined meaning, better enabling computers and people to work in cooperation" Machines should not just be able to display data, but rather be able to use it for automation, integration and reuse across various applications. The European Commission is funding numerous projects related to Ontologies and the Semantic Web; even more will be funded in its recently launched Sixth Framework Research Programme. The worldwide Semantic Web community is growing rather fast and forces are being joined with other technology developments such as Web Services or multimedia. Last, but not least, vendors are already offering mature products and solutions based on semantic technologies. Thus, the Semantic Web is currently moving from being a vision to becoming reality.