Abstract:

This paper addresses multi agent system (MAS) environments from an application perspective. It presents a structured view on environment-centric MAS applications. This comprises three base configurations, which MAS applications may apply directly or combine into a composite configuration. For each configuration, the paper presents key issues, requirements and opportunities (e.g. time management issues, real-world augmentation opportunities and state snapshot requirements). Thus, the paper delineates what environment technology may implement to serve MAS applications. Sample applications illustrate the configurations. Next, electronic insti- tutions provide an example of an environment technology, addressing norms and laws in an agent society, already achieving some maturity. In comparison, application- domain specific environment technologies still are in embryonic stages.

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