Agent technology promises to increase the flexibility and power of software systems 10 accommodate the next generation of computing, including intelligent web services, e-business, and grid computing. In recent years, agent technology has seen dramatic growth and has gained wide acceptance among industry professionals. This unique new reference offers software engineers, system developers and advanced students the most thorough and comprehensive explanation of the methods, tools, standards and techniques used to develop software using the agent-oriented approach. Addressing issues of direct relevance to specific development and task objectives, as well as to industry-wide initiatives, the book is essential for those wanting to understand more about the commercial realities of agent-based computing.