Evaluation of an agent framework for the development of ambient computing

Abstract

We have proposed to use software agents as a basis for implementing ambient computing systems. We developed the SALSA middleware, which enables the creation of autonomous agents reactive to the context of ambient computing environment; allows to communicate agents with other agents, users and services; and to implement agents that represent users, act as proxies to environment resources, or wrap a complex system’s functionality. We have evaluated SALSA based on empirical studies for assessing infrastructures used for implementing interactive systems. This evaluation included in-lab programming experiments and design exercises to assess the facilities provided by SALSA agents. We present evidence that SALSA is sufficiently powerful to facilitate the implementation of ambient computing services.