Architectures -- Projects

Comparison of SW Agent Based Framework w/J2EE Framework

Architectures investigates technologies for designing and integrating complex, COTS-based systems of systems that can adapt and evolve with advances in software and information technologies. This area also seeks to define and measure the attributes of a good architecture. Use and evaluation of tools such as Common Object Request Brokers (CORBA) fall into this area.

Comparison of Software Agent Based Frameworks
with the J2EE Framework

Margaret Lyell, Principal Investigator

Washington only

Problem
The problem is to determine interoperabilities, conflicts, and synergies (ICS) between software agent frameworks that are compliant with Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents (FIPA) standards and with J2EETM specifications. The J2EE is an exemplar of the thin client, high bandwidth, multi-tiered, component-based, backend enterprise information system, Web-centric architecture prevalent today. Software agent systems are decentralized systems whose components are software agents.

Objectives
We will ask focused questions to delve into potential ICS. For example: "Can messaging provide for interoperability even though there is a semantic mismatch between applications in the two frameworks?" "Can a software agent system participate in a transaction, or act as a backend system?" and "How should a software agent system offer or use (from J2EE) a service?" Answers compatible with specifications for both frameworks are sought.

Activities
Initially the project focused on messaging as a pathway to interoperability. This culminated in a MITRE report, a demonstration, and an accepted presentation for JavaOne 2002. We are in final stages of technology transfer of software to FIPA-OS users. The investigation now involves several studies: (1) hybrid system service architecture (using Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and ontologies), (2) data access comparison, (3) FIPA-OS performance, (4) transaction issues, and (5) JXTA (peer-to-peer platform from Sun MicrosystemsTM)-agent integration.

Impacts
We are collaborating with the High Confidence Software Containers project to build an agent-centric container for J2EE. We interact with FIPA-OS users (in the technology transfer process) and the FIPA community via mailing list exchanges. We disseminate our results through MITRE reports, and through peer-reviewed external venues (JavaOne Conference). Additional findings are shared within MITRE (via mailing list and Web site).