State-of-the-Art Information Access Tools
Knowledge Management (KM) aims to exploit various corporate resources (e.g. personnel and documentation) to create value for the organisation. Those organisations that are best able to derive benefit from KM will have a distinct competitive advantage in the new economy. Information Technology (IT) is an enabling force in the implementation of KM strategies. Nowhere is this more apparent than with searchable databases. The technology upon which searchable databases are based is constantly evolving. Melvil represents the latest stage of development in information access tools. Database queries and query results are presented with attractive, illustrative three-dimensional graphics. Improved ontology handling, multilingual search capability and precise search results make Melvil more attractive than its current market competitors. It is also fully compatible with all platforms. In the framework of an IST project, Melvil was evaluated live with the Austrian Chamber of Labour. Feedback gathered via discussion groups, online forms and standard questionnaires was incorporated to improve performance and user acceptance. Taking the organisation's existing KM procedures into account proved to be an important factor in the success of the pilot project. The Austrian Institute for Social Research and Analysis (SORA) encourages additional funding to further develop Melvil and is available to provide related consulting services.
