Methods, systems, and data structures for communicating object metadata
are provided. A generic metadata container is presented that allows
object metadata to be described in an extensible manner using
protocol-neutral and platform-independent methodologies. A metadata scope
refers to a dynamic universe of targets to which the included metadata
statements correspond. Metadata properties provide a mechanism to
describe the metadata itself, and metadata security can be used to ensure
authentic metadata is sent and received. Mechanisms are also provided to
allow refinement and replacement of metadata statements. The metadata
container may be used to convey referral data to update routing tables in
network nodes, and may also be used register referral statements and
query a node for referral information.