KBMS Requirements of Knowledge-Based Systems

Abstract

This overview paper provides a customer perspective of the requirements for knowledge base management systems. The customer is taken to be the developer of knowledge-based application systems, such as rule-based expert systems, natural language interfaces, vision systems, and design support environments. We conclude that there are area-specific knowledge base management functions that, if provided by a KBMS, could substantially simplify the development and maintenance of knowledge-based applications. However, the range of requirements appears too wide to permit the development of a completely generalized KBMS, in the same sense as existing generalized DBMS.