IBM tool aims to simplify users' daily Web experiences

CoScripter automatically runs routine tasks for you

By Linda Rosencrance

September 26, 2007 12:00 PM ET

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Computerworld - IBM today launched a free online service designed to simplify users' daily Web experiences.

Called CoScripter, the tool records the processes Internet users do regularly, then reruns those processes automatically, eliminating the need for users to repeatedly perform the same searches and tasks.

CoScripter was created at the IBM Almaden Research Center and is available on IBM's AlphaWorks site. AlphaWorks is an online community that gives early adopters access to new and emerging software technology from IBM research and development labs.

CoScripter enables users to go to a Web site and captures their actions as a script, which then can automatically perform those tasks. The information can also be shared with other users, IBM said.

"CoScripter simplifies repetitive common daily processes on the Web such as checking e-mail, checking flight arrival times and status, or searching for Wi-Fi hot spots in the area," IBM said in a statement. "The service uses a technique called 'programming by demonstration' to capture the steps of a process by watching people do it and recording those steps into a script. The scripts are integrated with a wiki, so they are easily shared with other users."

IBM said the service gives back time to users who have spent many hours online doing the same actions and tasks.

Although developed for consumers, IBM said CoScripter can also be used by companies that want to be competitive in the Web 2.0 marketplace, where conducting repetitive tasks online is commonplace.

"It streamlines the process of doing tasks and eliminates the need to spend hours conducting the same searches on the Internet," IBM said. "This saves the companies money, as their resources are no longer wrapped up conducting repetitive tasks online."

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