Method and system for retrieving and analyzing data to customize the behavior of automated web agents

摘要

A web agent system automatically performs tasks for a computer user based upon the actions of the user. The web agent system includes a local assistant program stored on a user computer which performs various functions based upon rules and data. The local assistant program and rules are downloaded from a first local assistant server maintained by an application service provider. The data used with the rules by the local assistant program is downloaded from a second local assistant server maintained by an assisted merchant. The web agent monitors the user's actions and performs tasks related to the detected actions based upon the rules and data. The web agent also automatically updates the rules and data.