To better understand how different pieces of online data relate to each other, some companies are turning to a new technology called the Semantic Web, which provides a way to tag, describe, and provide context for individual bits of online information. Simply put, the Semantic Web is an efficient way of representing data on the Internet in the form of a globally linked database. This technology, however, is new and unproven. To give it a try, test the concept with a pilot project before committing time and money. Also, find a partner skilled in semantics and expect users to take some time to adjust to the concept. And set usage guidelines to safeguard employee privacy. Finally, be patient--it takes years to justify the investment.

Learn more about succeeding with the Semantic Web:
- read the article in BusinessWeek