An agent-based approach for building complex software systems

This article explores why agent oriented approaches are well suited for developing complex distributed systems, like in a range of telecommunication, commercial, and industrial applications. If agents have to enter the mainstream of software engineering it is vital that clear arguments are advanced as to their suitability for solving large classes of problems. It is shown how agent oriented approaches apply in a specific telecommunication application. In making these arguments, it is possible for proponents of other software engineering paradigms to claim that the key concepts of agent-oriented computing can be reproduced using their technique. Agent-oriented systems are, after all, computer programs and all programs have the same set of computable functions. However, this misses the point. The value of a paradigm is the mindset and techniques it provides to software engineers. In this respect, agent-oriented concepts and techniques are both well suited to developing complex, distributed systems and an extension of those currently available in other paradigms. INSET: Comparing Object- and Agent-based Approaches.