Signposts to Web Resources

Signposts to Web Resources provide a searchable index of the contents of Internet sites relevant to the built environment. Services are likely to be established along the boundaries of member interest and professional affiliations. For membership based organisations they provide a mechanism to convey relevant information to their membership (e.g., newsletters).

Signposts to Web Resources allow the identification of sources of information based on the content of a web page or service based classifications. Users are able to define profiles for web resources they have an interest in and to be notified of new or modified web pages which meet their criterion. CONNET provides mechanisms to link together all web resource services to provide answers to user requests across complimentary systems.

One of the fundamental assumptions of this service, and the CONNET initiative, is that there is benefit from bringing together as wide a range of organisations as possible. To this end we welcome the establishment of new Web Resources for professions or for distinct local markets. We also welcome connections with existing web resources suppliers who may sell their information to particular audiences in the countries they serve. There are several ways forward for those who wish to set up a similar service, they are summarised below:

• Compliant interfaces: for an existing system the simplest approach is to provide an interface compatible with the CONNET specifications and for a Web Rsources Service. This is detailed in full on the Help Desk.
• Development with common models: a new Web Resources could be developed using the data models and API specifications as a starting point. These are available for interested parties.
• Re-use of existing service: the database, software, and machinery used to provide the initial version of a Web Resources Service can be re-used to provide a similar service for any other interested party.
• Lease of existing service: the software created for the initial Web Resource Service can be leased to other interested parties.
• Technical consultancy: the development team of the initial service are available to provide technical consultancy on any issue related to a WebResource Service to interested parties.

In all cases we are interested in talking about your requirements. See the Contact Us page for contact details.