Maintenance of Knowledge-Based Systems: Theory, Techniques and Tools

The practical take-up of Knowledge Based Systems (KBSs) is usually described as disappointing. One explanation of the reluctance of organisations to make a real commitment to these systems stems from the lack of well-defined techniques to engineer them in an acceptable manner. Without the assurance of quality that can be given by the use of a proven methodology, the risk of investing substantially in these systems will remain a risk too great to be taken. One of the chief manifestations of the lack of these techniques is that it is impossible to say with any assurance that it will be possible to maintain the systems so that their useful life can be extended. This book is concerned with the maintenance of KBSs, providing a balance between the academic and the practical, and containing analysis of tools developed in a research project. The intention of the book is to move from very general concerns available to all systems through to specific techniques and tools designed to address particular problems in particular representations, before concluding with some more general remarks. This book is essential reading for anyone, whether in a commercial or academic environment who wishes to build a serious Knowledge Based System that will continue to be used over a period of time. * SPECIAL FEATURES: * Building a Knowledge Based System is not the end of the story: the system must be used, and during its period of use, theknoledge on which it relies will change and develop. A Knowledge Based Ssystem that is not to become rapidly obselete must change and develop with it. * This book addresses this neglected area of maintenance, emhasising the specific maintenance tasks required by a Knowledge Based System. * The book provides a balance between the academic and the practical, and containg analysis of tools developed in a research project.Coenen, Frans is the author of 'Maintenance of Knowledge-Based Systems: Theory, Techniques and Tools', published 1997 under ISBN 9780121781200 and ISBN 0121781208.