A Framework for Applying Intelligent Agents to Support

The purpose of this paper is to study how intelligent agents (IAs) can be used to facilitate electronic trading. An intelligent agent is a software program designed for performing a specific task based on its own knowledge and the message it received. Given the increased complexity of Internet services, many IAs are useful to make electronic markets more effective.

In the paper, activities and structures of electronic markets are reviewed and discussed with respect to the coordination mechanism and primitive activities. This is followed by an analysis of IAs useful for electronic commerce. A three-layer architecture for organizing IAs for electronic commerce is developed. Finally, application of the framework to support electronic commerce and related issues are presented. The findings are useful for implementing a more effective environment for electronic commerce.

Key words: Electronic Commerce, Intelligent Systems, Intelligent Agents, Internet Stores