A method for format-independent advertising capabilities of data centers. In various embodiments, respective capability data sets are registered to a computing arrangement for one or more data centers. Each capability data set indicates resources available at a data center. Respective format descriptions are associated with the capability data sets, wherein each format description defines a syntax in which capabilities are described in a capability data set. Respective terms descriptions of terms are associated with the capability data sets, wherein each terms description defines the semantic meaning of a terms used in a capability data set. The computing arrangement receives queries that indicate capability requirements of a data center. In response to a query, the capability data sets that match the query are provided to the requesting entity.