DecisionNet -- a prototype distributed decision support system server

Abstract

This thesis documents the design and prototyping of DecisionNet -- a World Wide Web accessible decision support system server. Most decision support software is sold as a product. With DecisionNet, we attempt to shift this paradigm by providing decision support systems as a service vice a product. DecisionNet takes advantage of the hardware and software independence of the World Wide Web to provide connectivity between consumers, providers and DecisionNet. In the DecisionNet environment, the decision technology resides on and is executed by the provider's computer system. The consumer's data is set to the provider's computer via DecisionNet, allowing for anonymity of the consumer, automating the format conversions required for the decision technology, and minimizing the administration of user accounts for the provider.