Anne Morris, Gwyneth Tseng and Hilary Drenth
As yet, the services and guides offered commercially do not address the problem of database selection fully. There is a need for a database selector that can either take database…
Abstract
As yet, the services and guides offered commercially do not address the problem of database selection fully. There is a need for a database selector that can either take database selection out of the hands of the inexperienced or act as an advisor to more experienced online users. One approach to assisting business database selection is to produce better software, but of what type? Examination of the problem suggests that an expert system, which embodies and applies problem‐solving skills, might be suitable, since the task of database selection requires specific cognitive skills; intermediaries with skills in selecting databases exist; and intermediaries can articulate the methods they use to select databases.