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The mission of the Semantics group (ISWG-S) is to define a data capture architecture consisting of immutable stable schema bases and interoperable overlays for Internet-scale deployment. The scope of this sub-group is to define specifications and best practices that bring cohesion to data capture processes and other Semantic standards throughout the ToIP stack, whether these standards are hosted at the Linux Foundation or external to it. Other sub-group activities will include creating template Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and additional guidance to utility and service providers regarding implementations in this domain. The sub-group may also organize Task Forces and Focus Groups to escalate the development of certain components if deemed appropriate by the majority of the sub-group members and in line with the overall mission of the ToIP Foundation.
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OCA is an architecture that presents a schema as a multi-dimensional object consisting of a stable schema base and interoperable overlays. Overlays are task-oriented linked data objects that provide additional extensions, coloration, and functionality to the schema base. This degree of object separation enables issuers to make custom edits to the overlays rather than to the schema base itself. In other words, multiple parties can interact with and contribute to the schema structure without having to change the schema base definition. With schema base definitions remaining stable and in their purest form, a common immutable base object is maintained throughout the capture process which enables data standardization.
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