Patent ID: 7996427
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for enabling metadata to be accessed from a metadata repository, wherein the metadata repository comprises a plurality of metadata containers, each container associated with a different native metadata format and containing metadata items having the associated native metadata format, the method comprising: receiving, by a routine, a first request from a first application to access metadata from the repository, the first request causing a set of parameters to be passed in to the routine that includes: in response to the first request, causing a search of the metadata repository to be performed to find one or more metadata items that satisfy the particular metadata item key; providing to the first application information pertaining to a metadata item that has been found to satisfy the particular metadata item key; receiving, by the same routine, a second request from a second application to access metadata from the repository, the second request causing a set of parameters to be passed in to the routine that includes: in response to the second request, causing a search of the metadata repository to be performed to find one or more metadata items that satisfy the certain metadata item key; and providing to the second application information pertaining to a metadata item that has been found to satisfy the certain metadata item key; wherein the first and second applications may be the same or different applications; and wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.