Towards a reference service model for the Web of Services

Abstract: This paper introduces a reference service model (RSM) that closes the gap between two phenomenically contradictory service annotation paradigms: traditional semantic service frameworks and the emerging social annotation of services. RSM aims to (i) facilitate the semantic interlinking between services annotated using different semantic models and (ii) accommodate the bottom-up social annotation of services. RSM was developed following the design science research methodology. To develop RSM, existing semantic service models and SOA service models were reviewed in the light of the six service contracts and examined whether and using which elements each of the models supports in each of the contracts. The identified elements were then fed to a multiphase abstraction exercise. RSM comprises of the following concepts: Service, Service Input, Service Output, Service Context and Service Logic, Service Provider, Service Client and Service Feedback. The paper also maps the concepts of RSM to those of existing semantic service models and positions RSM with respect to related SOA service models. Finally, an implementation of RSM in OWL and two pilot developments that highlight different aspects of RSM are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]