Neal G. Shaw

A comprehensive agent-based architecture for intelligent information retrieval in a distributed heterogeneous environment

The Internet has become the global infrastructure supporting information acquisition and retrieval from many heterogeneous data sources containing high-speed text and rich multimedia images, audio, and video. AgentRAIDER is an ongoing research project at Texas Tech University designed to develop a comprehensive architecture for an intelligent information retrieval system with distributed heterogeneous data sources. The system is designed to support intelligent retrieval and integration of information from the Internet. Current systems of this nature focus only on specific aspects of the distributed heterogeneous problem such as database queries or information filtering. Consequently, these concepts and others have never been successfully integrated into a unified, cohesive architecture. This paper discusses the design and implementation of the AgentRAIDER system and identifies areas for applications of the system in various domains.

Strategies for managing computer software upgrades

The speed with which companies are bringing new software products to market is having a serious impact on information technology use in organizations. As vendors release new software products, customers are faced with the prospect of upgrading to the new software. If not managed properly, the upgrade might cost inordinate amounts of money and/or curtail employee productivity. How do organizations decide when to upgrade? How can an upgrade be completed without significantly affecting user productivity? To aid IT managers in answering these and other questions, this volume provides strategies for managing issues associated with the implementation of software upgrades. In addition, the book presents selected research papers that offer in-depth treatment of the most critical aspects of software upgrade management.