• Name: Classify

This Service Genre has been developed to outline the functionalities and bahaviours required of services which assign classifiers to data items, without altering the source data.

• e-Framework Service Genre Version: v1.1

This Service Genre describes the assignment of a classifier to an object. Classifications are assigned as specific properties to an object from a bounded, unordered set of values, with all classifiers being equivalent.

The original object MAY be modified by the Classify service. The Classifier MAY be applied to a proxy of the object. The Classifier MAY be applied as metadata. Objects MAY be classified by a number of properties using different classifications.

The data used to make up the set from which classifiers are drawn (the Classification Scheme) MUST be finite, and MUST NOT be ordered. The Classification Scheme consists of the property to which the Classification is assigned, and all allowable values. (Example: Property could be “Colour”. Values could be “Red”, “Green”, “Blue”).

Classifications MAY be made anonymously. Classifications SHOULD NOT be accompanied by comments.

As defined the Classification Service Genre is not access controlled. Any client may attempt to contact a Classification service end point. There are no authentication controls. The service end point is responsible for determining which individual objects can be classified and which clients can make classifications to existing objects.

The Classify Service Genre supports functions that enable the assignment and alteration of classifications.

• Assign Classification: allows a requester to assign a classification to an existing object. Classify Services SHOULD store the classification permanently within the context of the object. Classifications MUST be assigned to a distinct property as described by the Classification Scheme
• Alter Classification: allows a requester to edit an existing classification on an object.
• Delete Classification: allows a requester to remove an existing classification and associated property from an object.

No other functionality is defined. The functionality that is defined MAY be extended.

• Classify SHOULD be used when an unordered bounded value is to be assigned to an object
• Classifications MAY be applied to collections of objects as well individual objects
• Classify SHOULD NOT be used if an unbounded, unbounded value is to be assigned to an object. Annotation SHOULD be used instead
• Classify SHOULD NOT be used if an ordered, bounded value is to be assigned to an object. Rating SHOULD be used instead

Requests SHOULD be implemented to enable all functionality.

Assign Classification SHALL meet the following conditions:

• The Request SHOULD specify:
  • The target object to be classified
  • The target Property to be classified
  • A value from the classifiers for the property to be applied
• The Request MAY Specify:
  • The author of the Classification

Alter Classification SHALL meet the following conditions:

• The Request SHOULD specify:
  • The target property to be altered/li>
  • A new value from the classifiers for that property
• The Request MAY specify:
  • The author of the Classification

Delete Classification SHALL meet the following conditions:

• The Request SHOULD specify the target Property to be deleted

Responses SHOULD:

• Indicate any error conditions

Individual Service Expressions SHOULD provide models showing how clients interact with service interfaces.

None

Authorisation SHOULD be considered when specialising this Service Genre. Specifically, whether owners of the original object are authorised to delete and edit Classifications.

Management of the Classification Scheme SHOULD be specified by the Service Expression or SUM which incorporates Rating.

The management of which objects can be classified SHOULD be considered by the Service Expression or SUM which incorporates Rating.

None

© Copyright, e-Framework Partners 2007

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Classify Genre, The e-Framework Partners, 2007. Derived from...

Attribution History:

1. Derived from Classify Genre authored and submitted by Phil Nicholls on behalf of the JISC (e-Framework Partner), 2007

Last updated 14 October 2008