Using Linked Data for intelligent information retrieval

The software project of a large-scale information system usually contains a large number and different types of project documents. The key factor for the success of software project is how to efficiently manage project documents. Traditional software project management only focuses on XML-based metadata rather than semantic interlinking to facilitate document retrieval and publication. The main problem XML-based metadata is that lays stress on syntax and format for information interoperability rather than semantic and knowledge for intelligent applications. The Linked Data uses RDF data model that provide a solution to this problem. This study addresses these issues developing a Project Document Ontology (PDO) which is based on RDF Schema and combined with a set of well-known vocabularies, including FOAF, DC, and DOAP, to annotate project documents in Linked Data format. To illustrate the PDO applications, this study demonstrate project documents can be annotated from heterogeneous and distributed project resources, including design document, analysis document, plan document and work log.