Deploying Java Mobile Agents in a Project Management Environment

Abstract

This chapter introduces mobile agent technology and explains how it can help businesses to implement client-server enterprise computing solutions. A Java mobile agent-based project management system prototype is presented to demonstrate the main features of mobile agents (mobility, functionality, intelligence and autonomy), and how they help to enhance communication processes and facilitate security within the project environment. It suggests a practical way to isolate all host resources from all visiting agents using host agents and exported host functions. It also proposes a communication infrastructure to support intelligent dialogue among agents.