Information Technology

A knowledge architecture approach to information technology starts with creating an integrated platform that includes semantic focused search, content management with a focus on metadata generation, and the use of sophisticated text analytics with auto-categorization and entity extraction that can be implemented at various stages in the information life cycles. Once this infrastructure platform has been built and policies for it maintenance and governance are in place, it is possible to build powerful applications on top of it which include text mining, business and competitor intelligence, and a variety of Intranet or portal applications.

Search.

Enterprise search continues to be a major problem for organizations whether they expect the Google appliance to solve all their problems with little effort on their part or they invest heavily in a large, complex enterprise search platform. The reason for the general dissatisfaction is simple, search has to do with semantics and that is not a technology issue.

Our group has a depth and breadth of experience with search engines of all kinds and more importantly, experience getting good results by focusing on the semantics of search from integrating everything from taxonomies to best bet metadata to faceted metadata powered search results. We also have experience treating search as an infrastructure resource that builds on the initial semantic work by monitoring the performance and utilizing sophisticated search log analysis.

Content Management.

Like Search, successful content management needs to begin with a semantic focus. This semantic focus can include taxonomies and faceted metadata implemented with auto-categorization and entity extraction functionality along with the use of publishing policy that motivates and supports user tagging. Working with partner companies, independent vendors, or home grown systems, we have developed an approach that helps tame the complexity of enterprise content management as well as providing a platform to maximize the ROI by integrating content management with search and other information and knowledge projects.

Taxonomy Management / Text Analytics Software - Implementation and Evaluation

The KAPS group has been working with this type of software for many years and we partner with a number of vendors. We have also developed a practical methodology of evaluating different vendor offerings in a variety of enterprise environments [link to talks]. This type of software is very different from traditional information technologies and needs a different approach to evaluating the various offerings. We can help sort out the variety of options and functionality and help make the right choice for your environment. In addition, we can help clients learn how to best use the taxonomy management features as well as the more advanced categorization and entity extraction and support their implementation efforts with our experience working with your subject matter expertise.

Intranet / Portals

Intranets and portals require an integrated knowledge architecture approach to get full value. This approach starts with an intranet strategy. If you have one in place we can use that to drive specific projects and if you do not have one, we can help you develop it with a knowledge architecture audit. This strategy needs to be based on a full vision of the business value of the intranet and a plan that is realistic but also takes advantage of recent theoretical advances. We can help you design and create an intranet that builds on the information technology capabilities described above - search, faceted navigation, taxonomies, metadata standards that incorporate folksonomies, enterprise 2.0 elements like blogs and wikis, and lastly a set of policies and practices to govern and maintain your intranet.

We also have extensive experience with information architecture to enhance the usability and utility of your intranet. Our information architects have, in addition to the usual usability focus, additional backgrounds with the use of language and labeling, taxonomies and metadata, and a particular focus on search.

Text Mining

Effective text mining requires a good taxonomy or set of taxonomies along with categorization rules for each node and how to aggregate nodes, entity extraction catalogs and rules, and good sentiment rules. Enabling sophisticated and personalized access to the results of text mining with a faceted navigation is something that we have had great success with. Building on our extensive experience in developing these components of text mining, along with research into researcher information needs, we can work with you to create text mining applications that are powerful, easy and quick to use, and capable of flexible personalization.

Technology Integration Partners

In addition to our expertise in semantics and knowledge architecture, we also have a number of partnerships with technology integrators that have the technical expertise to build technology infrastructure solutions and understand the importance of the semantic element and how that changes technology based initiatives.