Modeling and interoperability: a high level perspective

Abstract This thesis tackles modeling and interoperability issues in different con- texts. We started by studying different Semantic Web models with the goal of translating from one to another by means of a model independent approach. The metamodel approach that we follow is called MIDST and is based on the concept of supermodel, a generic model that we use to describe other models. We have extended this approach, to allow the interoperability between Seman- tic Web formalisms. MIDST leverage on a relational dictionary that we have exploited as a repository for RDF documents. The logical organization that we have defined, together with tuning techniques at the physical level, allows us to obtain a framework for storing and querying RDF, that produced great re- sults in terms of performance and scalability. Following the experience gained in modeling Semantic Web models, we have produced a new enhancement in MIDST expressivity, allowing the interchange of information between ontolo- gies and databases. Changing context, this thesis finally describe a framework for the modeling of time in data-intensive Web sites. We here developed a tool that allows to automatically generate the Web site as a consequence of the design choices.