An Integration Protocol for Extensible Namespaces (PEN)

Bruce K. Speyer, John W. Hardin

Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corp.
3500 West Balcones Center Drive
Austin, Texas 78759-6509
speyer@mcc.com, hardin@mcc.com

Abstract

This paper describes a toolkit approach for building complex hierarchical
namespaces based upon PEN (Protocol for Extensible Namespaces). The namespace
paradigm provides a highly extensible and easily understood means for specifying
how things are to be integrated. PEN's importance lies in its ability to
simultaneously facilitate both hierarchical and contextual organization and
access to information resources equally well by people and applications. The PEN
concept has been successfully prototyped in a Design Data Management System
(DDMS) for electronic CAD-based design.