Integrated Semantics for Information and Communication Systems

Traditionally, Data Semantics has dealt with the static and dynamic integrity rules of database systems. The database system was supposed to integrate different viewpoints on the Universe of Discourse of the organization. Nowadays, databases are often decentralized and its integrating function has been taken over by the network. Examples of new applications are EDI, Workflow Management and collaborative computing. To account for this evolution, we use the term Information and Communication System instead of Information System, and we argue that Data Semantics should move its focus to the semantics of communication (business proces models). We present a formal language based on Dynamic Logic in which the semantics of objects, actions, but also speech acts can be described. In addition, we describe a lexicon in which the conceptual meaning of the terms of communication can be defined. Together, these models provide an integrated semantics for Information and Communication systems.

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