The economics of natural language interfaces: natural language processing technology as a scarce resource

  • Authors:

  • Sumali J. Conlon;John R. Conlon;Tabitha L. James

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of MIS, School of Business Administration, University of Mississippi, University, MS;Department of Economics, College of Liberal Arts, University of Mississippi, University, MS;Department of Business Information Technology, Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

  • Venue:
  • Decision Support Systems
  • Year:
  • 2004

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Abstract

This paper discusses appropriate application areas for natural language interfaces (NLIs) to databases. This requires comparing NLIs with competing approaches, including other user-friendly interfaces, and training of users with less user-friendly interfaces. Also, since NLI technology is still limited, users may need to learn how to use NLIs themselves. This suggests that NLI popularity may snowball at some point, as users become familiar with NLIs. We use a simple prototype NLI to illustrate when NLIs can achieve flexibility unattainable by simpler interfaces. Currently existing commercial NLIs and application-specific customization are also discussed.