Preliminary basis for an ontology-based methodological approach for multi-agent systems

Abstract

The influence of ontologies in Knowledge Based Systems (KBS) methodologies extends well beyond the initial analysis phase, leading in the 1990s to domain-independent KBS methodologies. In this paper, we reflect on those lessons and on the roles of ontologies in KBS development. We analyse and identify which of those roles can be transferred towards an ontology-based MAS development methodology. We identify ontology-related interdependencies between the analysis and design phases. We produce a set of six recommendations towards creating a domain-independent MAS methodology that incorporates ontologies beyond its initial analysis phase. We identify its essential features and sketch the characteristic tasks within both its analysis and design phases. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.