An Agent-mediated Middleware Service Framework for e-Logistics

Abstract

Service-oriented computing promises an effective approach to seamless integration and orchestration of distributed resources for dynamic business processes along the supply chains. In this chapter, the integration and adaptation needs of next generation e-logistics which motivates the concept of a middleware integration framework are first explained. Then, an overview of a service oriented intelligent middleware service framework for fulfilling the needs is presented with details regarding how one can embed the autonomy oriented computing (AOC) paradigm in the framework to enable autonomous service brokering and composition for highly dynamic integration among heterogeneous middleware systems. The authors hope that this chapter can provide not only a comprehensive overview on technical research issues in the e-logistics field but also a guideline of technology innovations which are vital for next generation on-demand e-logistics applications.