SBVR — XML Schema and Namespace URIs

SBVR uses URIs in a reference scheme for namespaces. The URIs are particularly important for standardized namespaces so that standard designations can be identified. But SBVR does not give the namespace URIs needed for its own vocabularies or for source vocabularies. These URIs are needed in order to facilitate interchange.

Also, XMI documents based on an SBVR vocabulary need to identify an xmlns URI for the particular metamodel being used and for Essential SBVR. Xmlns URIs are needed for each of these:

· Essential SBVR

· SBVR

· Meaning and Representation

· Logical Formulation of Semantics

· Vocabulary for Describing Business Vocabularies

· Vocabulary for Describing Business Rules

· Vocabulary-to-MOF/XMI Vocabulary

I have seen examples of such xmlns URIs for OMG specifications, but the pattern is not completely consistent.

· http://schema.omg.org/spec/XMI/2.1

· http://schema.omg.org/spec/MOF/2.0/cmof.xml

· http://org.omg//UML/2.0/UML2L1.xml

We need to determine a pattern to use for SBVR. Then for each corresponding vocabulary namespace, either use the same URI or some variation. Here is one possible set of xmlns URIs.

· http://schema.omg.org/spec/SBVR/1.0/SBVR

· http://schema.omg.org/spec/SBVR/1.0/Meaning-and-Representation

· http://schema.omg.org/spec/SBVR/1.0/Logical-Formulation-of-Semantics

· http://schema.omg.org/spec/SBVR/1.0/Vocabulary-for-Describing-Business-Vocabularies

· http://schema.omg.org/spec/SBVR/1.0/Vocabulary-for-Descibing-Business-Rules

· http://schema.omg.org/spec/SBVR/1.0/Vocabulary-to-MOF/XMI-Vocabulary

· http://schema.omg.org/spec/SBVR/1.0/Essential-SBVR

One possible variation for the namespace URIs would be to replace “schema” with “namespace”. E.g. http://namespace.omg.org/spec/SBVR/1.0/Meaning-and-Representation

This needs to be coordinated with OMG so that it fits a planned general structure.

Recommendation:

Note that this recommendation is incomplete. It needs an agreement in the FTF and with OMG on the OMG-based URIs to be assigned.

7.1.1 and 7.1.2 (pg. 11-12), add a “Namespace URI:” line under the “General Concept:” line or “Definition:” line of each entry in the sections. Give the appropriate URI.

7.1.3 (pg. 12), add a “Namespace URI:” line under the “Definition:” line of each name.

C.3 (pg. 201), add ‘Namespace URI:” to the end of the list of captions under “<primary representation>”.

Add “C.3.16 Namespace URI” at the end of section C.3 (pg. 208) as follows:

C.3.16 Namespace URI

If the primary entry is for a namespace, the ‘Namespace URI” caption is used to indicate a URI of the namespace. If the primary entry is for a vocabulary, the ‘Namespace URI” caption is used to indicate a URI of a vocabulary namespace for the vocabulary. Here is an example:

Meaning and Representation Vocabulary

General Concept: vocabulary

Namespace URI: <INSERT OFFICIAL URI HERE – same as what is used in 7.1.1>

In section 15, (starting on pg. 169), give the xmlns URIs for the XML schema documents.

Add a new captioned paragraph style, "Namespace URI" to the SBVR Structured English, and then use it to give URIs to the various vocabulary namespaces.
Assign URIs following OMG's pattern, which identifies SBVR and its version:
http://schema.omg.org/specs/SBVR/1.0/<specific-name>
Also, add SBVR Vocabulary as a combination of Meaning and Representation Vocabulary, Logical Formulation of Semantics Vocabulary, Vocabulary for Describing Business Vocabularies and Vocabulary for Describing Business Rules so that a namespace URI can be conveniently used in XML documents that convey combinations of vocabulary, rules and semantic formulations.