Using a data-centric approach for developing thematic-based collections in the Web

Georgios D. Styliaras, High Performance Information Systems Laboratory, University of Patras, Patras 26500, GREECE gds@hpclab.ceid.upatras.gr

Theodore S. Papatheodorou, High Performance Information Systems Laboratory, University of Patras, Patras 26500, GREECE tsp@hpclab.ceid.upatras.gr

Keywords

Thematic-based collections, Automatic hypermedia generation, Relational database, Web-based content management

Abstract

We are presenting the sequence of steps needed for successfully developing a thematic-based collection in the World Wide Web. Such a collection presents a certain thematic topic and is analyzed in a set of objects hierarchically organized and classified under various criteria. Every object is presented by a collection page, which becomes the core of the collection's analysis. We also allow for every object to be accompanied by multimedia data and embedded configurable behavior. Furthermore, we propose an efficient administration subsystem, which can be used by content providers for maintaining the collection content. The basis for our methodology is our experience while developing thematic-based collections for the Hellenic Ministry of Culture (HMC) web site. Instead of other methodologies that emphasize on the navigation layer, we suggest that a data-centric approach is more appropriate while developing structured hypermedia content, as it enables customization, flexible presentation, and reusability.