JADE (Java Agent Development Framework) is a software framework to make easy the development of multi-agent applications in compliance with the FIPA specifications. JADE can then be considered a middle-ware that implements an efficient agent platform and supports the development of multi agent systems. JADE agent platform tries to keep high the performance of a distributed agent system implemented with the Java language. In particular, its communication architecture tries to offer flexible and efficient messaging, transparently choosing the best transport available and leveraging state-of-the-art distributed object technology embedded within Java runtime environment. JADE uses an agent model and Java implementation that allow good runtime efficiency, software reuse, agent mobility and the realization of different agent architectures.

Developing Multi-Agent Systems with JADE

To ease large-scale realization of agent applications there is an urgent need for frameworks, methodologies and toolkits that support the effective development of agent systems. Moreover, since one of the main tasks for which agent systems were invented is the integration between heterogeneous software, independently developed agents should be able to interact successfully.

In this paper, we present JADE (Java Agent Development Environment), a software framework to build agent systems for the management of networked information resources in compliance with the FIPA specifications for inter-operable intelligent multi-agent systems. The goal of JADE is to simplify development while ensuring standard compliance through a comprehensive set of system services and agents. JADE can then be considered to be an agent middle-ware that implements an efficient agent platform and supports the development of multi-agent systems. It deals with all the aspects that are not peculiar to agent internals and that are independent of the applications, such as message transport, encoding and parsing, or agent life-cycle management. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Developing multi-agent systems with a FIPA-compliant agent framework

A mobile agent is an autonomous program that can migrate under its own control from machine to machine in a heterogeneous network. In other words, the program can suspend its execution at an arbitrary point, transport itself to another machine, and then resume execution from the point of suspension. Mobile agents have the potential to provide a {\em single, general framework} in which a wide range of distributed applications can be implemented efficiently and easily. Several challenges must be faced, however, most notably reducing migration overhead, protecting a machine from malicious agents (and an agent from malicious machines), and insulating the agent against network and machine failures. Agent Tcl is a mobile-agent system under development at Dartmouth College that has evolved from a Tcl-only system into a multiple-language system that currently supports Tcl, Java, and Scheme. In this thesis, we examine the motivation behind mobile agents, describe the base Agent Tcl system and its security mechanisms for protecting a machine against malicious agents, and analyze the system''s current performance. Finally, we discuss the security, fault-tolerance and performance enhancements that will be necessary for Agent Tcl and mobile agents in general to realize their full potential.

Agent Tcl: a flexible and secure mobile-agent system

The analysis of time series: an introduction (4th edition), by C. Chatfield. Pp 241. £13·50. 1989. ISBN 0-412-31820-2 (Chapman and Hall)

A framework for automatically provisioning computing devices includes a central database system and a central file system. Information stored in the database comprises a model of the individual devices, as well as the interconnections of the devices. The central file system stores the software components to be installed on the devices. When provisioning is carried out, the database sends commands to agents located on each device which cause them to retrieve and install the software components from the file system, and to configure the components according to the stored model.

Automated provisioning of computing networks using a network database data model

A management system (1) has a hierarchical structure of interconnected management authorities (2) controlling communication network resources (4). The system (1) also includes user interfaces (5). Each authority (2) has a number of agents which communicate internally with other agents and externally with other agents in a uniform manner using KQML semantics. Agents may be intelligent, or simply reactive. Generally, reactive agents are located within a platform part of an authority (2) and intelligent agents are located within a controlling part of an authority (2). Agents within the controlling part are grouped into functional components to provide FCAPS functionality.

A communications network management system

Mobile Agents - Smart Messages

An open agent architecture for integrating multimedia services

Research into Artificial Intelligence, and specifically Distributed AI has identified agent technology as offering a key role in future systems. The technology does not discriminate by application area, and is equally applicable to wrapping legacy technologies and systems as it is to implementing new systems. The Intelligent Systems Group at Broadcom eireann Research Ltd. has been investigating the suitability of Intelligent Agents (IAs) as an enabling technology for a unifying approach to network and service management systems. Such an approach should support network management, service management and service delivery in a seamless manner, to best satisfy an operator's business needs. This paper catalogues the work done into the use of IA technologies within each of these management areas and on the integration of software components and legacy systems. This work has employed an open, distributed, language-independent multi-agent platform known as the Agent Services Layer (ASL), which was developed by Broadcom eireann Research's Intelligent Systems Group. The architecture of this platform and experiences gained on its application to the above mentioned problem domains are outlined.

Experiences Using Intelligent Agent Technologies as a Unifying Approach to Network Management, Service Management and Service Delivery

KIMSAC — Kiosk-based Integrated Multimedia Service Access for Citizens — is a project supported by EU's ACTS program (030). It aims to provide a flexible way for citizens to access intricate and complex information provided on public information kiosks. An open agent architecture is used to co-ordinated, enhance and extend service provision and the necessary information flow which characterises satisfaction of service requests. The metaphor of a personal service assistant (PSA) builds on this architecture and is used to provide citizens with flexible and efficient access to services and information to realise a client-centred design which is targeted to use. An appropriate technology for providing information services is multimedia in terms of information visualisation and user interaction. Information services are provided by agents, which will simplify the addition of new services to the kiosk. An open agent architecture is used and it requires a comprehensive asset model to support the integration of multimedia services. This paper explains how to achieve integration, from defining assets, supporting the PSA metaphor, rendering the dynamically created assets to the requirements of the agent technology to provide open services.

Fergal Somers

Papers

A communications network management system

Mobile Agents - Smart Messages

An open agent architecture for integrating multimedia services

Experiences Using Intelligent Agent Technologies as a Unifying Approach to Network Management, Service Management and Service Delivery

Using an Asset Model for Integration of Agents and Multimedia to Provide an Open Service Architecture