Combating Information Overload by Means of Information Customization Systems

The evolution of the Internet into the Global Information Infrastructure has led to an explosion in the amount of available information. The result is the “information overload” of the user, i.e., users have too much information to make a decision or remain informed about a topic. Information customization systems are supposed to be the answer for information overload. They allow users narrowcast what they are looking for and get information matching their needs. Information customization systems are also a bargain of consummate efficiency. The value proposition of such systems is reducing the time spent looking for information. We hold the view that information customization could be best done by combining various artificial intelligence technologies such as collaborative filtering, intelligent interfaces, agents, bots, web mining, and intermediaries. MASACAD, the system described in this chapter, is an example of an information customization system that combines many of the technologies already mentioned and others to approach information customization and combat information overload.