The Magic Behind the Information Commons
Information Should Flow Like Water
The Information Commons enables individuals and organizations to pool their data into one integrated database distributed across many different computing devices. Sharing data in the Commons is seamless between individuals and organizations, offering easy, flexible data integration and reuse.
The Information Commons is based on the VIA Repository, a massive peer-to-peer distributed database technology developed by Rhiza’s parent company, MAYA. Read below for a non-technical overview of how the Information Commons is transforming the way public, nonprofit, and private organizations manage and publish data. Or, read our research, publications, and presentations at right to delve into the technology that powers the Commons.
What Makes the Commons Better„
Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
Open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), user-friendly tools and custom services provided by third party developers and Rhiza Labs integrate your data with existing data in the Information Commons. Once your data is in the Commons, you can publish it to the Web or export it to other applications for further analysis or reporting. Compatible with Windows, Linux and Macintosh platforms, the VIA Repository works with a number of different operating systems and data formats.
How Does It Work„
The VIA Repository software creates a peer to peer network of machines that exchange u-forms, which utilize a highly flexible data format based on an open architecture developed by MAYA.
U-forms are simple data objects that consist of a bundle of attribute and value pairs associated with a universally unique identifier. Think of a u-form as a row in a relational table, so instead of passing entire tables around the network, you send and receive the exact data you require. U-forms are replicated in multiple venues; the more popular a piece of data, the more widely it is replicated.
Solving Persistent Data Problems
While the necessity of universal data identity and data extensibility is recognized by a variety of Semantic Web / Web Services / XML technologies, such systems generally rely on URL references to identify information. Because URLs communicate where information can be found rather than what it is, when a particular server goes down, or a site is discontinued in the Web Services world, data objects disappear.
In contrast, data objects in the Information Commons are not dependent upon physical location, enabling the same information to be replicated and accessed from several multiple locations. And, once you’ve accessed data in the Commons, it becomes part of your local repository, making it available to you even when you are not online. This feature is ideal for organizations working in remote, under-served or disaster-stricken areas with little or no Internet access or for users who are frequently traveling.
Learn more about Rhiza’s products, which are powered by the Information Commons.
