Title

Ontologies versus relational databases: are they so different? A comparison.

Authors

Martinez-Cruz, Carmen; Blanco, Ignacio; Vila, M.

Abstract

Two main data models are currently used for representing knowledge and information in computer systems. Database models, especially relational databases, have been the leader in last few decades, enabling information to be efficiently stored and queried. On the other hand, ontologies have appeared as an alternative to databases in applications that require a more 'enriched' meaning. However, there is controversy regarding the best information modeling technique, as both models present similar characteristics. In this paper, we present a review of how ontologies and databases are related, of what their main differences are and of the mechanisms used to communicate with each other.

Subjects

ONTOLOGY; RELATIONAL databases; DATABASES; INFORMATION modeling; COMPUTER systems

Publication

Artificial Intelligence Review, 2012, Vol 38, Issue 4, p271

ISSN

0269-2821

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.1007/s10462-011-9251-9