It’s the Real McCoy

When I heard that Exsys Corvid was going to sell a Mac version of its expert system shell for $150, I was totally stunned and frankly still am. My stunned condition did not arise from any grief about having laid out thousands (and I mean lots of thousands) of dollars for their PC version a few years ago, but rather from the fact that expert systems were now truly going to be coming to the masses. There has been so much talk in the legal profession and other professions that deal with specialized knowledge (like human resources) about the need for automation and change and so little action other than on the highest levels. For me, the key was whether this was a true “core” version of Exsys Corvid. So I bought a Mac and have been working with the Core program ever since.

I write this review to tell you this program is the real McCoy. It is an expert system that you can start using tomorrow to put together mind-boggling applications. While expert system technology used to be reserved for a few well-heeled and visionary firms, it is now available to the rest of us. I am anxious to find out if all the talk in my own profession of law has been so much hot air.

Just one piece of reality to finish up with. Software developers, and Exsys Corvid is no exception, like to tell us that learning and using their programs is “easy”, sort of like your Lego-experienced kid could spot your Mac at the kitchen table, sit down and develop a system or two before bedtime. I am a klutz at technical stuff and so I may not be in the best position to judge, but “easy”? Do not believe it. Doable? Yes, for sure. Building an expert system is not computer programming but it requires patience and as-you-go learning of knowledge-engineering techniques. Is it fun? Wait until you build a truly useful knowledge delivery system and then answer that question. I think I know what you will say.

All thumbs up for this product and, at this price, a truly stunning (that word again) opportunity to get to work on the future.

JLM2014 about Exsys Corvid Core, v1.0.5