The Case for a Reference Model for Agent-Based Systems

The current state of the art in agent technology sees that several implementations of agent frameworks exist. However, there is little agreement on the terms and concepts used to describe such systems, which is a significant barrier towards adoption of these technologies by industry, military and commercial entities. A clear definition of terms and concepts at an appropriate level of abstraction is needed to facilitate discussion, evaluation and adoption of these emerging agent technologies. In this paper, we argue that a reference model for agent-based systems can fill this need. We discuss what a reference model is and why one is needed for agent-based systems. While the complete model is a work in progress, we present a preliminary version to motivate further discussion from the agents community at large. It is our hope that ultimately a wider community of practice will assume responsibility for the standardization similar to the way that the well-known seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model was a driving force underlying communications standards.