A grid service framework for metadata management in self-e-learning networks

Abstract

Metadata management is critical for Grid systems. More specifically, semantically meaningful resource descriptions constitute a highly beneficial extension to Grid environments that started to gain significant attention. In this work we contribute to the effort of enhancing current Grid technologies to support semantic descriptors for resources - termed also the Semantic Grid. We use a Self e-Learning Network (SeLeNe) as the testbed application and propose a set of services that are applicable in such a case in alignment to the Open Grid Services Architecture (OGSA). We concentrate on providing services for the utilization of Learning Objects' (LO) 1 metadata, the basic of which, however, are generic enough to be utilized by other Grid-based systems that need to make use of semantic descriptions. Different service placement scenarios produce a number of possible architectural alternatives. © Springer-Verlag 2004.