Much of what I’ve been discussing here, and among my colleagues has centred around the explanation of the Semantic Web to a wider community than occurs within blog discussions, IRC chats, and the odd article in a technology magazine. Most of the discussions are aimed at the technologically-aware, and can wax complex.

Well, this morning I heard a classic description of the Semantic Web, in language which made it easy to follow. It made reference to the idea of linking data, and described the difference between a link between documents and a link between data. It even gave examples of how these linked data could be used by people in daily tasks. In short, it was a brilliant, brief and not-too-technical description of where the web is probably headed, and how it’s semantic future could affect normal people. It had the added kudos of having been an interview with Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who was credited at the beginning of the short talk, with being the inventor of the World Wide Web.

It took me a few moments to realise the importance of this piece, however. As they were crediting Sir Tim, I thought: “Well, of course he’s invented the World Wide Web! Every geek already knows that!” That was when I realised I was not listening to a tech-cast from my ipod. I was listening to Radio 4′s Today Programme while driving to the office on the M42. What this meant, it slowly dawned on me, is that normal people were listening to this well-crafted explanation. The simple, yet complete description of the web’s adoption of this semantic future, and the way it could make such a difference to the way we interact with the vast quantities of data we produce and require was being presented on mainstream, FM radio during the morning commute!

For those who weren’t braving the torrential rain on the motorways, you can hear it in full here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7496000/7496976.stm. In brief, the interview featured a short introduction to the Semantic Web by the BBC science correspondent Tom Feilden, in which it was referred to as “the next generation of the web” which is “orders of magnitude more sophisticated and interconnected than what we have today.” This brief introduction was followed by a five or six-minute interview with Sir Tim.

It seemed that the interviewer brought out many of what might be considered “classic” questions about the Semantic Web: What makes it different from what we have now? How does the Data get there? (Does it need to be put up in a particular way?) That sounds scary: what happens if someone uses data you don’t want them to?

These three points allowed Sir Tim to quickly outline linked data—mentioning a subject close to Talis’ heart: Linking Open Data—giving examples of how this is different to linked documents and what that could mean for people. Following this, he explained standards with only a single mention of RDF. Finally, the interview touched on security and possible ways in which people and data might be be protected in future.

Towards the end, Sir Tim was asked a surprising question: Does the UK have the talent to compete in the upcoming changes?

“Of course it does!” I shouted at the radio. “We’re here! Mention all the work we’re doing!”

Well, of course Tim Berners-Lee is a modest man who has always been disinclined to advertise, leaving it up to me to mention three British companies which come to mind (Please mention more in the comments if you know of any!):

Garlik, identity experts based in Richmond, who are using semantic tech to great effect in handling online identity and security issues in the marketplace.

True Knowledge—based in Cambridge—are pioneering semantic search and seeking to improve the user’s experience when finding facts from complex questions.

And, of course, Talis (We’re in Birmingham, if you want to come and visit).