Semanta - Semantic email made easy

Abstract

In this paper we present Semanta - a fully-implemented system supporting Semantic Email Processes, integrated into the existing technical landscape and using existing email transport technology. By applying Speech Act Theory, knowledge about these processes can be made explicit, enabling machines to support email users with correctly interpreting, handling and keeping track of email messages, visualizing email threads and workflows, and extracting tasks and appointments from email messages. Whereas complex theoretical models and semantics are hidden beneath a simple user interface, the enabled functionalities are clear for the users to see and take advantage of. The system's evaluation proved that our experiment with Semanta has indeed been successful and that semantic technology can be applied as an extra layer to existing technology, thus bringing its benefits into everyday computer usage. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.