System for configuration of preconfigured software programs on networked open systems in a distributed environment and method to operate this system

The configuration system is based round a workstation. A knowledge engine accesses a knowledge base holding information on various aspects of the network. An editor is used to modify information held on the system. The knowledge engine holds configuration data on the network and its components, and information on all interactions. The editor provides a visual display of the network, showing its topology and configuration parameters of its components. The user uses a graphical interface, such as Windows, to define new classes of platforms and new classes of system components to extend the knowledge base, and similarly modifies or deletes existing classes.