Experiment in constructing an open expert system using a knowledge substrate

This paper discusses an experiment in the use of an object-centered knowledge representation service to provide a common conceptual model for the construction of a large knowledge-intensive decision support tool. A core knowledge substrate forms a common resource for a variety of problem-solving activities and a basis for the rapid construction of new capabilities. FAME, a substantial expert system to aid in the financial marketing of IBM mainframes, has been built and extensively tested in the field to validate our tools and techniques.