Introducing pattern reuse in the design of multi-agent systems

Abstract

In the last years, multi-agent systems (MAS) have proved more and more successful. The need of a quality software engineering approach to their design arises together with the need of new methodological ways to address important issues such as ontology representation, security concerns and production costs. The introduction of an extensive pattern reuse practice can be determinant in cutting down the time and cost of developing these systems. Patterns can be extremely successful with MAS (even more than with object-oriented systems) because the great encapsulation of agents allows an easier identification and disposition of reusable parts. In this paper we discuss our approach to the pattern reuse that is a phase of a more comprehensive approach to agentoriented software design.