Multiagent Systems and Web Services in Enterprise Environments

Abstract

In this chapter we discuss the general aspects related to the utilization of MultiAgent systems in Enterprise environments with special emphasis on the integration architectures enabled by Web Service technologies. Also, we present a decoupled architectural approach that allows Software Agents to interoperate with enterprise systems using Web Services. The proposed solution leverages existing technologies and standards in order to reduce the time-to-market and increase the adoption of agent-based applications. Finally, we show some case studies of knowledge-oriented Web services that have been designed following the discussed approach and outline some current research and business concerns for the field.