An apparatus, program product, and method utilize a dynamic, automated,
extensible and flexible intelligent agent-based product support
"framework" to facilitate the provision of product support services to
customers of computer-related products. Agent platforms are utilized on
both a customer computer and a product support computer, with different
agents configured to execute on one or both of such computers. Automated
analysis and/or creation of remedial actions, based upon cross-customer
operational data, and often relying upon intelligent agents for many or
all of such actions, may be used to decrease product support personnel
burden and effort. Publishing control may be provided to limit
distribution of certain intelligent agents, as may multi-agent
remediation of undesirable operational conditions, where agents from
multiple parties collectively address a problem experienced by a
customer.