A product announcement from Ontopia AS describes the commercial release of the Ontopia Knowledge Suite Version 1.0, with support for the ISO 13250 and XML Topic Map (XTM) specifications. "The Ontopia Knowledge Suite (OKS) version 1.0 comprises a full-featured Topic Map Engine written in 100% Java, and the Ontopia Topic Map Navigator, a framework for building web-based topic map delivery applications. The new Navigator can be tested online or downloaded free. The OKS will become a complete suite of tools for managing and using topic maps, as new components are released during the coming months. Topic Mapping is a new paradigm for organizing, retrieving, and navigating information resources. Through the provision of a 'knowledge layer' that is independent of the information resources themselves, topic maps help capture and manage corporate memory, improve indexing, and enable the integration of information that spans multiple, disparate repositories. Topic Maps are an international standard, defined by the ISO, and can also be interchanged using the Extensible Markup Language (XML) defined by the W3C. Ontopia AS, a providers of advanced Topic Map technology and co-creators of the Topic Map standards, offers technology supporting added value to web portals, content management systems, knowledge-based intranet applications, and enterprise application integration."

From the announcement:

"We are proud to be able to offer to the world the most complete implementation of the topic map specifications so far available," stated Steve Pepper, Chief Executive Officer at Ontopia and co-editor of the XML Topic Map (XTM) specification. "Implementers now have the possibility of building extremely powerful topic map-based applications without having to make big investments up front. This is very important since topic mapping is a new concept and early adopters need to be able to build low cost prototypes in order to be able to justify investment in full-scale commercial deployment."

In parallel with its product release announcement, Ontopia also announces changes in its management structure and company strategy. In order to focus on development of its product suite, all operations have been moved to Oslo, Norway. Pam Gennusa, Ontopia's former London-based CEO has joined Ontopia's Advisory Board and Steve Pepper has taken over the role of Chief Executive Officer. Kal Ahmed and Murray Woodman, both based in London, will continue to work with Ontopia on a consulting basis.