Intelligent Software Agents [Paperback]

Richard Murch (Author), Tony Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 1998

Software is about to get a whole lot smarter, with the introduction of a new generation of intelligent software agents that can manage, organize and sift through enormous amounts of data on behalf of their users. Some agents are simple daemons patrolling networks to find available resources; others are sophisticated programs that navigate WANs seeking relevant data, performing tasks, even making decisions on behalf of users. This complete guide to agent technology covers a wide range of applications in industries ranging from medicine to finance, publishing to data warehousing. It reviews the state-of-the-art in agent technology, which is increasingly adaptable, mobile, transparent, accountable, rugged, user-centered and autonomous. It covers the major concerns facing agent developers, including security, privacy, legal issues, control and performance. It also covers advanced research in multi-agent systems, called "agencies," as well as efforts to endow agents with emotions, attitudes, cultural knowledge and multilingual expertise.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Preview the coming revolution in software intelligence!

• Foreword by Arthur C. Clarke

A new generation of intelligent software agents is about to arrive, capable of managing and organizing information, recognizing personal tastes, and making increasingly important decisions on behalf of their owners. The agent revolution represents an extraordinary opportunity for business and technical people who understand it. Intelligent Software Agents is the first comprehensive up-to-the-minute guide to this quickly maturing technology, its applications, and-above all-its implications.

• How today's agents work-and how they're different from their over-hyped predecessors
• Top agent applications in healthcare, finance, retail, media, government, and more
• Supercharging Web sites and e-commerce with agent technology
• The key players in the software industry and academia
• Standards and their role in agent development

Discover how agent technology is becoming increasingly adaptable, mobile, transparent, accountable, rugged, user-centered, and autonomous. Understand the challenges facing agent developers, including security, privacy, legal issues, control, and performance. Then, preview the future-including R&D on multi-agent systems, and on endowing agents with emotions, attitudes, culture, and multilingual expertise. Whether you're a business decision-maker or IT professional, Intelligent Software Agents is your guide to the future!

About the Author

Richard Murchcurrently works for Bank One in Columbus, OH. Formerly with Andersen Consulting, he has been involved with intelligent software agent technology for over five years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR; 1st edition (November 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130110213
• ISBN-13: 978-0130110213
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,169,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A book of who, what, and where, but little how., February 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Intelligent Software Agents (Paperback)

This is a book targeted for those who are interested in agents, what they can do, what institutions are working on them, and descriptions of many application areas with some discussion of existing programs. The authors are to be congratulated on the scope of their research and reporting. In my view the book discusses much more of the "what" agents can do rather than the "how" and dwells on the market potential of agents. While such a review is of interest to many readers, it left me unimpressed. Any reader who is interested in an overview of the potential applications of agents and agent technology without having to dwell much on the detailed workings of the technology or what the current research issues are, this is the perfect book. For those who have some familiarity with the topic of agents, and desire more specific information about how to develop them, this book is a poor choice. Books I prefer to this one include Agent Technology, Jennings and Wooldridge (editors) , The Design of Intelligent Agents by J. Mueller, and Artificial Intelligence: a Modern Approach by Russell and Norvig.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, July 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Intelligent Software Agents (Paperback)

The authors have developed an important book with immaculate detail, strong writing, an excellent grip on the material, and a strong sense of direction for the future. The book is particularly strong in its earlier section, dealing with the development of agent technology. Despite the avalanche of books written about agents in recent years, there have been comparatively few books that deliver a comprehensive account of what it all really means.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly readable - Plain english, July 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Intelligent Software Agents (Paperback)

If you're looking for a technical code to solve agent problems, then this is not the book for you. If you want a comprehensive analysis of the possible effects of agent technology then this is a must read. The authors have done a great job and have made a through analysis of possible agent areas and how industry and society will be affected. As a professional agent programmer, I was aware of most of the applications discussed , but was still surprised by some areas covered that I had never considered. I do not agree with the negative reviews listed here and recommend readers make up their own minds.

In conclusion - highly readable and recommended.