Datana Prototype Specsheet

The prototype is a proof of concept for the whole Datana chain of information sharing. Without going deep in the strict definition of what composes it, that prototype is expected to be able to handle user cases, for preparing the development of the software platform.

1. Distributed Schemas Designer?

A simple GUI is necessary to enable design of new RDF schemas based on theh existing ones, by replication, remote referencing, caching of remote references, setup of a protocol for handling upgrades of schemas, as well as their context of pupblication or sharing, technically and legally.

2. Collaborative Scenario Writer?

At that step, available schemas are proposed for another designer to prepare scenarii, which are another sort of schemas actually. By using the same technology as for schemas, we expect to be able to use it in a distributed way, sharing, publishing scenarii with well-prepared context.

3. Data Flows Factory?

Then, we can apply scenarii on instances that have floating indicators available in the scenario. That factory can produce data depending on simulation factors, or get plugged to an existing flow for real time rendering, or get a batch of recorded datas for analysis and simulations. As for the other steps, that function should be able to be done in a peer to peer way, so people can merge their flows and get a better overview of interdependancies beetween their worlds.

4. Report Layout Engine?

That's the final tool, that produces effective reports about simulation or real flows, statically in many formats in pdf, excel, csv, flash, png, html or dynamicaly in javascript, dhtml, flash and java.

Sample case

For prototyping purpose, we'll use an arbitrary case to test and proof the development. The sample case will be the flow and life of the Tikiwiki community, from the free software community point of view. Base material is the users collaboration, software pieces, communication channels and overall activity.
Such example has several purposes actually. It will be used actively by the Tikiwiki community and then can attract more contributors from that group. It will also be useful to illustrate a development model that is quite unknown from the industry and would deserve some more attention.
See TC case study for more details on that test ground.