Using i2F as a data collector for a TIRS-based expert system [Integrated Interface Facility]

Console automation techniques are important in the overall effort to automate the operation of IBM mainframe systems. i²F (Integrated Interface Facility) is an OS/2 application that allows construction of a programmed interface to communication networks, TIRS (The Integrated Reasoning Shell) is a multiplatform expert shell. The authors examine how i²F can be used to collect data to support TIRS reasoning in a console automation expert system. The system described allows the gathering of data to be separated from the reasoning process, allowing flexibility in building and implementing the system. The skills required for building the knowledge base and i² F components are quite different. By making a clear separation between the what and how of data collection, support staff are used more efficiently. In addition, enterprise policies replicated in a variety of TIRS knowledge bases can support the system without alteration. The departmental procedures added in i²F provide the elasticity for cultural and technological differences