Xesam and Nepomuk Desktop Ontologies Merge
Sebastian Trüg has announced that the Xesam vs. Nepomuk issue is settled and that they will merge into a single desktop ontology.
Both desktop ontologies had been undergoing parallel development in the past to define the metadata on a computer in a meaningful way and implement a social, semantic desktop. As Sebastian Trüg writes in his blog, "the Xesam ontology and NIE (Nepomuk Information Elements) both define classes and properties to describe desktop metadata ranging from id3 tags (artist, title, and so on) to emails and instant messaging." Trüg goes on: "All that was left to do was a merger. And that is what happened now. Sort of."
In the process, Nepomuk seems to have prevailed, supported by discussion on the freedesktop.org lists that generally advises updating the software and agrees that more and more projects are migrating to Nepomuk in that it proves to be more complete. Trüg didn't consider this a slam on Xesam. In fact, Nepomuk borrowed many ideas from Xesam and the advantages of the competitor could flow directly or through add-ons into Nepomuk.
Above all, says Trüg, care should go into unifying the NIE (Nepomuk) versions across applications. Strigi, KDEBase and Tracker already contain NIE code. To further discuss ontological issues, he established an Open Semantic Collaboration Architecture Foundation (OSCAF) platform on SourceForge.net.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.