On the Design of Multiagent, Context-Aware, and Mobile Systems

Abstract

This chapter addresses the software engineering dimensions associated with the development of mobile and context-aware multiagent systems. It argues that despite the growing deployment of such systems in different application domains little has been done with regards to their analysis and design methodologies. The author argues that the introduction of mobility and context awareness raises three main challenges that deserve a paradigm shift: the challenge of information integrity, service availability on mobile devices, and the complexity of decision modeling. Because they reflect different operational and procedural dimensions, the author argues that the conventional software engineering practices used with intelligent systems that possess other agency qualities need to be “re-engineered.” The chapter emphasizes that the envisioned methodology should reflect a thorough understanding of decision environments, domains epresentation, and organizational and decision-making structures. Furthermore, the chapter provides a description for the appropriate enablers necessary for integrated implementation.