A framework for multi-agent systems development

摘要

This paper describes a framework for the development of commercial, interactive application systems based upon any agent technology that can provide appropriate core functionality. These systems are intended to be owner programmable - application functionality is defined by a set of process and data definitions in an abstract procedural language, and the framework is designed to allow these specifications to be easily modified and extended by the owner after the system has been implemented and commissioned. The tool set that supports the specification process has an industry-standard look-and-feel and is designed to be intuitive to non-technical users such as business analysts. Its use is supported by an extensive methodology that guides specification refinement.