RYE BROOK -- International Business Machines Corp. unveiled Tuesday a number of software programs designed to provide corporate or home computer users with advice on topics from equipment design to home mortgages.
IBM said that by answering a series of questions about a particular situation, even the most novice computer user can gain access to advice normally only available from an expert.
'Expert system solutions allow our customers to move key decision-making processes to the sales people and service people who interact with customers every day,' said Ralph W. Clark, assistant general manager of IBM's Application Systems division.
The Armonk, N.Y.-based computer giant introduced several different packages designed to help computer users with differing levels of computer training.
The most basic program enables computer users with few skills to consult the computer for advice on a number of corporate planning problems.
Another program known as IBM Kee, which was developed by IBM with Intellicorp Inc. of Mountain View, Calif., is designed to aid data processing professionals with applications such as equipment design and factory scheduling.
IBM said the software is available for use on a wide range of systems from personal computers to mainframes.
The most basic program will be sent automatically to current licensees of IBM 'expert system' products, the company said. The price for additional copies is $595.
Prices and license charges associated with the rest of the software range from about $42,500 to $98,000.
The first of the new or upgraded products will be available later this month, IBM said.
