An eReading device can be used to store a lot of knowledge. Product catalogs, encyclopedias, guides, how-to's, car manuals, safety instructions, procedures... Links : http://delicious.com/appepaper/knowledge

There are multiple ways to realize such a knowledge base:

• By making an eBook. The user can browse and read the eBook to find the information he needs.

• By publishing an application which contains a database. A system that works like that on the iPad is Bento (http://delicious.com/appepaper/knowledge+bento)

• By downloading a complete dossier of linked files (in PDF or HTML). For example WikidPad allows to export all the Wiki in one or more HTML files. One can copy a complete wiki on an eReader. Patrick Collison did that for WikiPedia (http://delicious.com/appepaper/wikipedia ).

• Connect to a website (requires to be on line)

<todo> List databases systems on iPad and Android

Business Object : Knowledge Base

It is very difficult to define knowledge. Knowlege is here represented by a business object called Knowledge Base, an aggregation of information that consitute of a usefull unit of knowledge.

Business Process

The processes involved are related to the gathering, the formatting and the distribution of knowledge by the use of knowledge bases.

<todo>Think about the use of expert systems (configurators for instance) in eReading.

<todo>Add all typical elements of Knowledge management

Business Actor

The Actors are the eReader Users, Desktop Users

Business Role

We can distinguish at least Knowledge producers and the Knowledge consumers. A Knowledge manager can be in the picture as well.

Data Object

Knowledge can be distributed in many forms: Documents (eBooks, PDF...) or Databases (embedded in Apps)

Application Service : Wiki

Many application services can be used to create, administer and distribute knowledge. ECM, Collaboration, ERP, HR systems all contain knowledge. In the concept of the Web2.0 or Entreprise2.0 where consumers can also become producers of knowledge, the Wiki application service is good example of knowledge bases that can be packaged for an e-reading device.

Application Service : ECM

80% of an entreprise's information doesn't reside in databases but in unstructured content (documents).

Application Function : Search

Searching will be one of the most important function associated to knowledge. Search must be available on all tiers.

Application Interaction

The typical application interactions will be related to the federation of search, and content.

Application Component : Database

A part of knowledge is locked into databases. Business Intelligence tools will help make meaning out of those data mines by creating and publishing reports on eReaders.

<todo>List all KM tools

Devices

The Knowledge Producer will most probably use a Desktop Computer in order to create content. This content will be centralized in the Entreprise in a simple database or a content management system (ECM, Wiki, Collaboration platform...) in the Data Center.

The Knowledge Consumer will use a mobile eReading Device in order to search and find the information he needs. The ease of use and the response of the eReader device is important as the user will be mostly browsing information. Half of the time the user isn't in linear reading.

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