KNIXMAS

Due to the increasing demand of globally distributed information within complex researching and developing there is a need for intelligent self adapting global research and development networks, especially under GroupWare aspects.

The main objective to design and establish a framework (shell) for an intelligent global research network consisting of connected local (national) working and research networks. This framework will consist of distributed co-operating expertsystems (Intelligent Base Systems) with decision support modules for research management and intelligent knowledge retrieval provided by applied multi-agent systems. For the prototype the local research networks and workingspaces will be realised as Intranets in 5 different European countries (Germany, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria). The centre of each local network will be an intelligent base system conceived as expert system with co-operating and communication facilities via Internet/Intranet. The entire knowledge will be shared over the whole network and managed by Intelligent Knowledge Brokers.

The main characteristics of the research network are the following: The entire network is supplied with AI-components and methods. Modularity and flexibility will be guaranteed by structuring and designing the whole system in an object oriented way. Adaptiveness and flexible adjustment will be provided by reflecting and evaluating user response and acceptance data via complex feedback and influence loops. Developing this research network as a modular AI-system ensures a high degree of transferability and adjustment capabilities. Using dynamic knowledge and databases and digital repositories controlled by intelligent knowledge brokers guarantees inter- and exchange of specialised knowledge. For the intelligent knowledge retrieval global and local standard multi-agent systems will be installed on heterogeneous platforms using CORBA standards. The benefit for the users will be decision supported research management as well as intelligent knowledge retrieval embedded in collaborative workingspaces. In particular, the following achievements will be attuned to the European user.