A framework for mobile e-commerce based on intelligent agents

Abstract

Mobile e-commerce has offered new channels for trading products in e-marketplaces over mobile devices by applying the intelligent and mobile agent technologies. These existing e-commerce applications have two specific limiting factors. First, it is difficult for them to be integrated together due to the lack of common communication languages and interaction protocols. Secondly, they might cause expensive participation cost because mobile devices are required to maintain a longtime connection with the network when mobile agents are employed. This thesis proposes a feasible FIPA-compliant framework to address these problems. The standard agent communication language and interaction protocols defined by the FIPA specifications are incorporated in the framework. This enables agents to talk in multiple marketplaces. The use of mobile agents is improved to reduce connection time and simplify the manipulation of mobile devices.