Pulling from Databases

Obviously, in order for a semantically-based email system to work, there needs to be a rich database on the back-end that contains relevant information about the people sending email to each other and their interests. In the Stanford tests, this data is being retrieved from already existing databases which are then integrated into the system

A prototype email system being developed at Stanford University is designed to bring the power of semantic technology to our inbox. Called SEAmail, short for “semantic email addressing,” the system will help its users route email to the correct person or persons without needing to know their names or email addresses and without the need for preexisting distribution groups.

How SEAmail Works According to MIT’s Technology Review, the program allows users to select email recipients by creating a search query as opposed to typing in names, addresses, or the name of a mailing list. For example, a user could use SEAmail to send a message to a group – created on the fly – like “all professors who graduated from Harvard University since 1960.” Being able to pinpoint your recipients in this way would not only be helpful, it could also stem the overflow of email that creates information overload by making sure that only the exact recipients who need to get the message are contacted.

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