The guide to available mathematical software advisory system

The primary goal of the Guide to Available Mathematical Software (GAMS) project is to provide convenient access to information about mathematical and statistical software which is available to computer users at the National Institute for Standards and Technology. The principal vehicle through which this information is disseminated is an on-line advisory system called the GAMS Interactive Consultant. In this paper we describe the current status of the GAMS project. We then enumerate some of the weaknesses of the system and suggest knowledge engineering techniques which may alleviate them.