📄️ Introduction
The Knowledge Base (KB) is structured around Identifiers as the core entities, with Providers playing a crucial role in the management and distribution of these Identifiers.
📄️ Entities
The entities referenced by persistent identifiers can be classified in terms of whether they are objects or an abstract concept agreed upon by humans. Objects can be physical objects with a digital representation or purely digital. Within this broad classification, we have attempted to standardise the entities encountered in the literature review in a consistent manner.
📄️ Identifiers
Identifiers serve as persistent, unique references to digital or physical objects. The Knowledge Base revolves around the principle that every piece of information is linked to an Identifier either directly or indirectly. Specifically, Managers can be the issuers (‘minter’) of one or more Identifiers, and of course, an Identifier can be issued by many Managers. This makes Identifiers the fundamental entity in the system. Then as a result a Manager is linked to a specific Provider for a specific Identifier.
📄️ Providers
While Identifiers form the foundation of the Knowledge Base, Providers enable, distribute, and maintain these Identifiers. They act as the linking mechanism between Identifiers, Managers, and Authorities.
📄️ Identifier Schemes
Some Schemes or Standards build on previous frameworks.
📄️ Unique Institutions
Managers, Providers, Authorities, and Standards Bodies are not necessarily equivalent to an organisation or an institution.
📄️ Authentication/Authorisation
Authentication and authorization in the FAIRCORE4EOSC PID KB Service are designed to ensure secure access while offering a user-friendly experience.