From Object-Oriented Modeling to Agent-Oriented Modeling: An Electronic Commerce Application

Abstract

The use of intelligent agents is on the rise, fueled by the unprecedented growth in the internet and web based applications. Consequently, agent-oriented software is becoming large and complex. To support a systematic development of such software, an agent-oriented software development methodology is necessary. This chapter focuses on the modeling phase of agent-oriented software life cycle and, presents an approach for agent modeling consisting of Agent Elicitation, Intra, and Inter Agent modeling methods. Agent Elicitation deals with identifying and extracting agents from “classes” in the real world. Intra Agent Modeling involves expressing agent characteristics æ Goal, Belief, Plan and Capability æ whereas, Inter Agent modeling incorporates agent mobility and communication in a multi- agent system.