This book is very well written, and can be read in a single sitting - its 300 pages took me about five hours, making the occasional note and skipping nothing. When you have finished, there is still more value at the end: a reference section, where all the concepts mentioned in the book are summarised in logical order; an excellent glossary; a "resources" section 30 pages long stuffed with book references, URLs and the like; and a professionally compiled index. The book is well produced, too. Its binding is suitable for frequent use, there are no typos or other careless errors, and the many diagrams are attractive and easy to understand.
Anyone who is involved with producing or maintaining software stands to learn something new and useful from reading this book. Even if not, it would still be a fascinating read.
The chapter transitions are very well done and helpful, particularly for a person in the early stages of understanding the application of Semantics to the development of Business Systems. They are concise, effective and readable. McComb also makes excellent use of background summaries. His history lessons and comparisons to common or similar experiences helped me relate to the subject. He uses experiences we all have in common and they brought me into the subject matter he was discussing, even if it was unfamiliar. The examples he gives, comparing the shift to Semantics to earlier transitions and similar technology developments, acted as a friendly guide through a territory of unfamiliar ideas and concepts. If you lived through those earlier transitions, they give you insight into what is going on in the world of Semantics today.
Where he could, McComb uses common everyday language. Even when covering more advanced concepts, he uses the most familiar terms possible. This is not just a matter of semantics; it helps keep the reader on board and gives a sense that the topic can be mastered. And when new terms were introduced, it was clear they were not arbitrary. They were needed because the reader was entering new territory.
The figures McComb included were relevant, to the point and very easy to follow. I thought they were effectively placed and helped me a lot in understanding the text. One of the greatest strengths in this book is the very effective use of examples. They are right on target, easy to understand and succinct enough to make the point quickly.
The product and vendor knowledge McComb provides is extensive. It brought the subject of Semantics to life. There is no better evidence of the emergence of a technology trend than seeing people in the marketplace providing tools and offering services that develop and implement the new concepts and approaches.
The contrasts that McComb creates are also very helpful. They can be found in his text, examples, figures and tables. They helped me develop a clear understanding of how Semantics is different from related technologies and techniques and how it is the same. As well as why they were the same and why are they different.
Finally, this is an extremely well researched book. And that research was enhanced by the frequent, helpful and very meaningful insights that McComb brought to the subject.