A Basic Introduction to
Semantic Web
Introduction
Hi! My name is Mike Darnell. I was born in 1974 My 1st job was modeling underwear & Roman toys
My partner is Virode Imtarnasan Thai, 38 years old, married, studied law Career: EA, Sega, IRM‌ Web: Cnngo, Vertu, Playboy‌
Is your website targeting and engaging prospects?
Where we do business
The Fun Bit
What do we need in order to have a conversation?
Our ability to process language is dependent on two elements:
Syntax…
‌& Semantics
But what is “Semantics”?
Semantics The study of meaning, focused on the relation between signifiers, such as words, and what they stand for
What is a “Semantic Web”?
Today’s web enables computers to communicate using a common SYNTAX
The semantics needed for UNDERSTANDING are still handled by us HUMANS
But this isn’t the plan‌
“I dream of a web where computers are capable of
analyzing ALL
the data“ Sir Tim Berners-Lee (1999)
On the Semantic Web data is interpreted by machines, allowing them to perform the work involved in finding, combining, and acting upon information on the Internet
How?
By moving from this
To this
Semantic Web models are currently based either on Explicit Meta Data or Implicit Deductions regarding the content on the page
Explicit Meta Data
“Regular” HTML
HTML with Schema.org microdata semantic annotations
The Explicit Meta Data is the model supported by the W3C via it’s
Resource Description Framework (RDF) specifications:
Subject > Predicate > Object Thailand’s capital is Bangkok
Implicit Deductions
Many sites allow triplet-like deductions without requiring formal meta data annotations
Why do we want it?
A machine-friendly web = more free human time
A semantic web will empower us to understand context without resorting to “search�
It will empower computers to accomplish tasks and answer questions that currently require human involvement
Searching SEMANTICALLY rather than SYNTACTICALLY is particularly useful for:
Content in Context Answering questions Best product, Ideal booking, etc.
Content in Context
A Star Trek sequel is a serious ENTERPRISE
But Which One?
Google isn’t very helpful
Neither is Wikipedia
But a little structured data goes a long way‌
As does some context
Services to check out
Search Engines
Freebase is: “An entity graph of people, places and things, built by a community that loves open data.�
Hakia
Sigma
Lexxe
Qwiki
Aggregating and curating content
“Topic Pages” are popping up on publications everywhere
WSJ
Mashable
NYT
Reader apps
Semantic veteran Evri is moving from being a search engine‌
‌to a content aggregator and interest curator
Flipboard acquired Ellerdale to power it’s relevance and interest
Answering questions
Wolfram Alpha
True Knowledge
Assistants
Siri
Evi
What’s next?
Statistical Analysis
NLP
“…Over the next few months, Google will begin spitting out more facts and direct answers to queries at the top of the search-results page…” WSJ.com
Google’s Knowledge Graph = 200,000,000 entities (= ~10*Freebase)
The “Internet of Things” Your fridge knows you’re about to run out of milk Your toilet know you’re lactose intolerant Etc…
The Next Big Thing may be enabled by new Technology
But its success is dependent on its ability to match of our most basic needs
Questions?
Thanks! ‌I’m at mi@vimi.co Mike