A Framework for Multi-agent Electronic Marketplaces : Analysis and Classification of Existing Systems

In this paper, we examine electronic marketplaces which employ multi-agent technology. More specifically, our attention is on controlled multi-agent emarketplaces without coalitions between agents. First we present a classification of such electronic marketplaces. Since the organization of negotiation between agents is decisive for this type of marketplace, we base our classification on negotiation-related attributes: the character of negotiation (either bilateral or multilateral), the number of issues over which an agreement must be reached (one ore many issues), and the level of vagueness of preferences for those issues (either crisp or fuzzy). The proposed schema is then used to classify and discuss several commercial and academic agentbased electronic marketplaces. Finally, we formulate some conclusions and challenges for further research in the field of agent-based e-marketplaces.