Apparatus and method for categorizing services using canonical service descriptions

摘要

An apparatus and method for service classification are provided. The apparatus and method make use of canonical service descriptions which designate minimum requirements for a service to be classified into a corresponding classification. Based on the canonical service description, it can be determined whether a service that wishes to be classified into a particular classification of a taxonomy on a service broker meets the minimum requirements for that classification. Furthermore, the use of canonical service descriptions ensures that all services classified into a particular classification have a minimum level of functionality that will allow them to function properly when invoked.