Metadata and matching
Metadata is information that tells something about an item or its relation with other items. Site editors add metadata to an item, such as keywords, the name of the author of an article, the location of an event, etc. Thanks to this metadata, the system knows what the information is about and 'understands' the relationships between items in the website. Anymeta connects items that have similar metadata; (Matching). This is how a network of rich data and associative connections emerges. The more metadata, the stronger the associative power and the richer the content of the website.
Example: The site geheugenvanoost features a story about a shop in the Javastraat. The metadata exists of the location and keyword 'shop'. Anymeta presents not only the story but also related items such as other stories about similar shops and illustrations of shops in the Javastraat area. The related items appear in the right hand side context bar.
Another example: There is a project item on the site of architects Zwarts en Jansma, in this case a bridge. The GPS location, client and the type of project are the metadata of the item. As such, this project is presented along with related projects including bridges, tunnels and viaducts in the area. These items place the main item into context.
Semantic system
Anymeta is a semantic network. The semantic web is a network of rich data, structured in such a way that computer systems are provided with sufficient information about the data in order to process it. The objective is to define data on the web in a way that enables not only consistent presentation, but also automation, integration and reuse of data via different applications.
Although this may sound abstract, it largely corresponds to the way people look at the world. A person, for example, is always a person. The relationships this person has with others determines his or her role. A person can be a subscriber, an editor, a fan or an author of a text. But he or she can also be the child of another person, or participant to an event. In traditional systems these roles are stored in different locations, with separate databases. Anymeta just has one type of person, with a variety of roles for each person. This makes adding new relations and roles at a later stage possible, as well as information exchange with other systems.
What metadata?
The type of metadata is defined based on the function of a website. In the example of an archive, times, dates and location codes will be the most important metadata. An architectural firm will focus on locations and client relations. Finally, a social network mostly uses persons and keywords. We take these possible functions into consideration when deciding on the most important type of metadata.
What is the difference with other sites?
Associative and consistent structure
Most websites have a fixed, hierarchical structure. It is not easy for users to find information that is buried deep in this hierarchy. Moreover, such structures tie the hands of editors. They are forced to constantly decide where to publish information and which relations to establish. As the website grows organically, this situation becomes harder and harder to maintain.
Anymeta on the contrary, interprets the significance of information and creates the structure of the website accordingly. With Anymeta, new contributions are always published in the most relevant location. This makes life of all web editors significantly easier and improves the consistency of a site. However, editors are not obliged to let Anymeta decide on everything; articles and other items can be published on a determined location of the site, or in a fixed order. This makes Anymeta efficient, as well as flexible.
How easy is it to manage and use Anymeta?
Editorial management
Using a user friendly interface, editors can easily publish information a website. The editorial staff uses an uncomplicated content management system (CMS) that everybody is able to master after a short introduction. With the CMS, information items can easily be created, edited, or removed.
Mediamatic provides editors with a user manual, including tips on lay out, and a helpdesk.
Visitors and web 2.0 users
Thanks to the related content, users discover a wealth of relevant information on a website. The system identifies connections between items that editors and users may not have made themselves.
Anymeta sites are also very suitable for user generated content; applications where users themselves edit a website. Personal profiles, user contributions in the form of articles and comments, pictures, YouTube movies or events, are all examples of user generated content. Webmasters of Anymeta sites decide what level of editorship they allow their users to have.
Still complicated?
Have a look at our portfolio, to see some of our projects to see how Anymeta works in practice and how it can be used.
You can also call us with any questions or to make an appointment: 020-6389901. We'd love to tell you more!