Research on software agents has produced a diversity of conceptual models for high-level abstract descriptions of multi-agent systems (MASs). However, it is still difficult and costly for designers that need a unique set of agent modeling features to either develop a new agent modeling language from scratch or undertake the task of modifying an existing language. In addition to the modeling itself, in both cases a significant effort needs to be expended in building or adapting tools to support the language. An extensible agent modeling language is crucial to experimenting with and building tools for novel modeling constructs that arise from evolving research. Existing approaches typically support a basic set of modeling constructs very well, but adapt to others poorly. A declarative language such as XML and its supporting tools provides an ideal platform upon which to develop an extensible modeling language for multi-agent systems. In this paper we describe xTAO, an extensible agent modeling language, and also demonstrate its value in the context of a real-world application.
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