4.6 Secured Sources Agents

Intranet agents can serve as database service providers. They can also automate workflow processes and collaborate communications to intranet or proprietary closed network users; for example, they may be programmed to issue special alerts to designated need-to-know analysts or investigators. There are intranet agents that can perform resources allocation services, which are IT-specific, such as updating a data set or deleting a database. These intranet agents can also be programmed to perform a variety of reports and conduct ad hoc analyses of databases across a network. As with Internet agents, intranet agents can perform similar data-organization tasks for users in closed proprietary secured agency and departmental networks.

An intranet agent is a software program that resides on an internal agency or departmental server or cluster of servers in a private proprietary network. These types of agents are designed to focus on information dissemination among a team of users involved in special task forces or focusing on specific type of data aggregation and analyses. Typically, these intranet agents are programmed to assist in accessing internal databases, data marts, and data warehouses or proprietary networks. Some can also provide support via wireless devices to field investigators. They enable information sharing within a designated and authorized group of users. They can also be set up to shield and protect unauthorized access to some users and provide alerts when changes to the data occur.