Artificial Intelligence Technologies

1. Artificial Intelligence and Commercial Knowledge Base Systems
2. Artificial Intelligence Technology Definitions
3. Implementing a Knowledge Base System
4. Business Benefits of Knowledge Base Systems

Implementing a Knowledge Base System

Knowledge base systems have their roots in Artificial Intelligence. Many of the technologies used today to implement knowledge base systems were originally conceived in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Software techniques such as rule-based systems or artificial neural nets were first developed as experiments in Artificial Intelligence. Today these technologies are the building blocks from which knowledge base systems can be constructed.

KSD specializes in developing applications using these AI building blocks. KSD is familiar with all aspects of building a knowledge base including knowledge acquisition, design, development and deployment. Our integration experience ensures a successful operational system.

Building a Knowledge Base

Our engineers will work with you to determine the best AI technology or combinations of technologies to capture and apply your business knowledge. After determining the most effective technologies, we work with you to develop a knowledge base that captures your knowledge in an intuitive and maintainable system.

Database, Web and Object Technologies

Capturing the knowledge in software is one part of the problem. Determining how to deploy the knowledge to your company is another key consideration. KSD developers are skilled with databases, web technologies and emerging enterprise object technologies such as CORBA. We have the experience necessary to make sure your key business knowledge is effectively deployed to support decision-makers in your company.

Commercial Tools

One of the primary commercial tools used by KSD is the G2 expert system shell. G2 is a product of Gensym Corporation. Over 10,000 copies of G2 are in use worldwide and it is recognized as an industry leading knowledge base system shell. The systems we build are integrated into standard business information environments including standard databases such as Oracle and Sybase. We also interface to web servers for browser based desktop displays as well as custom client programs.

Customization

With each client, there exist unique problems and solutions in expert knowledge representation and manipulation. KSD assesses the nature and scope of a business problem to be solved, encapsulates facts and heuristics (rules of thumb) and strives to emulate the reasoning processes deployed by experts within that company. Working with the client, KSD develops and delivers a system that depicts the business knowledge and the problem solving techniques and processes undergone by the decision-makers of the company.

Maintenance

A key consideration in the development of any knowledge base system is the ease of maintenance for the client. KSD seamlessly integrates the developed knowledge base system into the existing computer operating environment. Once trained, the client is able to maintain the knowledge base with little or no support from KSD.

User Interface

The users of the knowledge base system require an interface in order to interact with the knowledge. This user interface becomes a key part of the application. KSD has developed a number of web-based user interfaces. The utilization of web technology allows an application to be quickly distributed to all company employees. Specific parts of the knowledge base can be put on-line for public or customer use.