Metadata is data that describes a webMethods asset such as a task; for example, all tasks have names and various properties, such as the Task Type ID. If an asset references other assets (for example, when a task step references a service), that asset will have metadata about such associations.

In Designer, metadata is created for tasks, processes, portlets, Integration Server documents, e-forms, Integration Server services, rule services, and Web services. You can search the available metadata to locate assets.

Local metadata that is stored on your computer is referred to as workspace metadata. Workspace metadata is stored in a database, on your computer, called the workspace index. For more information about searching for and working with local metadata, see webMethods BPM and CAF Workspace Metadata Help.

When CentraSite is installed as part of your Software AG installation, CentraSite serves as a central repository for metadata for each Designer asset. You can publish assets to CentraSite and retract assets from it. When you publish metadata to CentraSite, it is stored in the CentraSite repository, and it is available for use by other users who have access to CentraSite. For more information about search for and working with metadata in CentraSite, see webMethods BPM Process Development Help.