Implementing Multi-party Agent Conversations

Multi-Party agent conversations occur frequently in multi-agent systems, for example in brokering. However, clear, formal and unambiguous specifications of the semantics of such conversations are essential for open implementation by different developers. We address this issue by generalizing a protocol-based semantic framework for expressing the semantics of Agent Communication Languages. This is used to give formal specifications of brokerage protocols, which are implemented on top of an agent-oriented middleware system. We conclude that an emphasis on design and formal specification languages in agent communication leads to clearer interfaces, improved development prospects, better re-use and with a potentially significant impact on standardisation efforts.