Information modelling for distributed applications

The author analyzes the user requirements for information modeling within the framework of distributed applications. Some developments providing general application-independent methods for information modeling are outlined. Finally, the problem of having several application-specific standards for information interchange using different methods for information modeling is discussed, along with an approach to harmonizing the different underlying models. The requirements for such information modeling tools are outlined and compared with some modeling approaches under development. Also examined is the extent to which the methods used in the standardization activities can be applied beyond their original intention as general tools for information modeling within distributed applications