The Web Service Modeling Language WSML: An Overview

The Web Service Modeling Language (WSML) is a language for the specification of different aspects of Semantic Web Services. It provides a formal language for the Web Service Modeling Ontology WSMO which is based on well-known logical formalisms, specifying one coherent language framework for the description of Semantic Web Services, starting from the intersection of Datalog and the Description Logic SHIQ. This core language is extended in the directions of Description Logics and Logic Programming in a principled manner with strict layering. WSML distinguishes between conceptual and logical modeling in order to facilitate users who are not familiar with formal logic, while not restricting the expressive power of the language for the expert user. IRIs play a central role in WSML as identifiers. Furthermore, WSML defines XML and RDF serializations for inter-operation over the Semantic Web.