6.2 Data-mining and Intelligent agents Using software algorithms to find useful patterns in large amounts of data is called data mining. These algorithms are intelligent to recognize non-linear patterns and report all exceptions. The intelligent software of such type is termed intelligent agents. The underlining vision behind the development of software agents involves a paradigm shift from the traditional software as a tool to software as assistant. Every data warehouse environment eventually hits the information overload wall.
Intelligent agents can provide the processing and knowledge gathering tools to get over it.
Data mining agents can work offline to find interesting patterns and then report their findings back to an analyst using an OLAP system. In many ways software agents mimic real world roles of highly competitive secretaries, reference librarian, personal and relentless world events watcher, personal assistant or decision-making counselor. These capabilities, of indisputable values will bring about a service model shift in the software world that will touch and shape all of our lives significantly. The technology is changing very fast. With every step further it is enabling better lifestyle.