Topic 10 : Bots, agents, spiders and mobile computing

Software agents for e-commerce

Software agents can move from one computer to another by directed or autonomous instructions. Such mobile software agents have 3 main capabilities that can be developed in combination with a push or pull model:

Mobile code                  (binary, bytecode or machine language) that is installed on a remote computer eg Java applet, Google spiderbot;

Mobile computation      handling by RPC, RMI, CORBA, servlets etc

Mobile state                   single or multiple threads, capture state of computer

Such Code mobility adds a lot of flexibility and advantages over the older client/server model flexibility but may cost more in authentication, security and deployment.

Agent-based software agents for simulation

Agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) is an approach to modeling systems using a model of autonomous interacting agents. This can effect the way that businesses use computers to analyse a system, see the effect of changes in the model which then supports decision-making and research.

Agent-based models and multi-agent systems are used in games like SimCity but with other complex systems like the finance market, the stock exchange or even the illegal drug industry, the simulations are useful. Consider the latter simulation further.

Various agents exist such as the drug supplier, drug addict, social worker, health worker, police and other law enforcement agents. Each agent and its behaviour is built into the model and then various changes are introduced to the system via hypothesis testing:

What happens to drug supplier profits if we increase the arrest rate of drug addicts?

The result is analysed and passed on to all government decision-makers.

M-commerce:  Services for mobile clients

Higher bandwidth, high speeds, constant connectivity and seamless global coverage.

What are the consequences of keeping people connected at all times and in all places?

Analysis of business needs or demand from users may lead to e-business applications for mobile phones, as the business moves from e-commerce to m‑commerce.  The current push for wireless technologies is leading to changes in the presentation devices and the communications infrastructure requirements leading to multiple types of devices appearing.  Support for multiple devices and applications as well as security via hardware and encryption technologies has grown.

Consider the way that our presentation devices like phones and PDA’s are converging in combination with changes in screen sizes and functions.  Application design issues related to limited battery life, less CPU power and different navigation interfaces are not as apparent as before, as my new phone will run applications that are co-developed for multiple devices, services and different network protocols.

Wireless systems can be configured in various topologies such as a peer-to-peer network for a small user group to larger networks that enable roaming for its users. The typical elements in a secure, scalable and reliable mobile architecture is shown  in Figure 10.2.

While WAP/WML or XHTML basic systems are popular, extra hardware and bandwidth allows 3G video services via a mobile device.  WAP is the Wireless Application Protocol which runs on a circuit switching network, while HTTP and the Internet is largely running over packet switching networks, thus requiring a gateway system.  This adds to the cost of the mobile service transaction.  Success may be limited for an e-business application, as WAP may just be another interface to an online service running on the Web.  For a WAP site to be successful it must be worth the added cost to the user, so WAP sites are designed as a location based service.  WML is the Wireless Markup Language – an XML DTD for building structured WAP sites.  Here is a list of development areas in recent years.  Maybe you can add to the list!

·                Event promotion and account balances by SMS short message service

·                Mobile phones downloading from WAP enabled Websites

·                Laptop computers connected to mobile phones for downloading emails

·                Mobile office solutions

·                Wearable systems – headbands

·                PDA’s (Personal Digital Assistants) and mobile phone combination

·                Mobile phones as PDA’s and with a camera

·                Mobile phone with 3G video services.

Some m-commerce design tips for usability in wireless applications include:

·                Minimise the no of keystrokes;

·                Minimise airtime cost;

·                Personalise content based on the user’s profile;

·                Provide Alerts and Notifications, though don’t overdo it;

·                Allow users to respond efficiently.