Agreement Technologies: A Computing Perspective

Abstract

In this chapter we analyse the concept of agreement from a Computing perspective. In particular, we argue that the capability of software components to dynamically forge and execute agreements at run-time will become increasingly important, and identify key areas and challenges that need to be addressed in order to advance in this direction. Finally, we introduce the emerging field of Agreement Technologies for the construction of large-scale open distributed software systems, and identify technologies that are in the sandbox to define, specify and verify such systems.