Web Development

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Thoughts on MS Agent technology

0 helpful
9 replies

by debate

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
In the Aug. 27 Web Development Zone newsletter, did Mark's description of Microsoft Agent compel you to download components of this technology? Which feature of Microsoft Agent most intrigues you? If you already use Microsoft Agent, what do you likeand/or dislike about it?

9 replies

by codepoke

Am I wrong, or did MS just take the most hated of any MS products, and give anyone who has ever used a *blink* tag the power to "be creative".

This is worse than Nimda ever dreamt of being. You'll go to a public web site, and it will pop off 10 new windows, and every one will have a personalized greeter to open a door for you.

You know that Mr. Gates will disable them on his PC, but will he allow us the right to do so?

by joshk

I manage an Intranet site that uses IE. I plan to incorporate Microsoft Agent whenever possible to make a better experience for the users.

by mike arms

The is no way in hell that I would recommend using ActiveX controls for any web site, Intranet or not. Just say NO to propreitary web extensions, else you deserve any amount of abuse that Microsoft will bring to you as you lock yourselves in their pit. There are WWW web standards for a reason - use them.

by i_am_whopper

I think that an Intranet is probably the best spot to use the Agent Control. You have very strict control over how your audience views your web site (which browser they use and its settings), so you can utilize proprietary techniques to enhance your site without worrying about whether a portion of your users will not be able to access certain parts of the site.

by mogues

The Microsoft Agent FAQ states:

How do I uninstall Microsoft Agent?
Microsoft Agent 2.0 has been designed to be a Microsoft operating system component. As a result, once it is installed it cannot be uninstalled.

Great.

by i_am_whopper

I am unaware of any repercussions of having Microsoft Agent on your computer. Is there any particular reason why you would need to remove it? The Microsoft Agent is part of the standard install of most of the newer Microsoft OS platforms, so many people have it already installed on their machines.

by wstreet

No way, no how, never, never, never!!!

In addition to the obvious security risks, I'm
weaning myself from as many MS products as I
possibly can.

by joe

I don't understand why people would cripple their site with proprietary software.

by talleywho

Agent technology is an interesting topic to research. From what I have found, this could be used as a positive tool on a intranet site. I need a way to get our managers trained on the online applications I develop for them and this would be a quick and effective way to get them up and running.

I am working for a large company that has a firm grounding in MS technology, so the whole proprietary argument can be minimized. I haven't locked myself down to this particular agent solution, as I have found a few more open based solutions.

Yes, this could be one of the new, annoying trends on web sites that abuse the technology. But, the idea behind it will definitely be the trend with human interaction on the web. The ever more present existence of online chats with customer service will soon be merged with this online agent. The potential is also there for the web to turn into a used car lot with salesman running around the screen.

I'd recommend this site to see examples of MS Agent characters, as well as characters developed using different technologies.

http://www.cantoche.com/index.htm

This discussion is closed to new replies.