An ontology tool for query formulation in an agent-based context

The paper describes how query formulation can be made simple and less complicated by using ontologies. It takes a brief look at several advantages of using ontologies in a distributed, heterogeneous, and dynamic information environment, such as the Internet. It also examines the construction and evaluation of an ontology-based distributed information system developed using the Java language. The paper discusses issues related to software tools that operate in a distributed environment and shows how the client-server architecture and the agent technology used by the Java language can be used effectively in such environments. The software is applied to an information system for healthcare administrators, which spans hospitals, clinics, and governmental health departments.