Digital Object Identifier (DOI®) System
http://www.doi.org/

The Digital Object Identifier (DOI®) System is for identifying content objects in the digital environment. DOI® names are assigned to any entity for use on digital networks. They are used to provide current information, including where they (or information about them) can be found on the Internet. Information about a digital object may change over time, including where to find it, but its DOI name will not change. The DOI System provides a framework for persistent identification, managing intellectual content, managing metadata, linking customers with content suppliers, facilitating electronic commerce, and enabling automated management of media. DOI names can be used for any form of management of any data, whether commercial or non-commercial. The DOI System is an ISO International Standard. The system is managed by the International DOI Foundation, an open membership consortium including both commercial and non-commercial partners. Over 50 million DOI names have been assigned by DOI System Registration Agencies in the US, Australasia, and Europe. Using DOI names as identifiers makes managing intellectual property in a networked environment much easier and more convenient, and allows the construction of automated services and transactions. This has been added to the tools section of Research Resources Subject Tracer™ Information Blog.