On Using KQML for Matchmaking

As agents see more use as entry points to incxeasingly complex distributed information networks, agent communication technologies such as the Knowledge Query and Manipulation Language and the SHADE Matchmaker will play an important role. We describe our experiences with these technologies as applied to two applications: collaborative engineering and satellite image retrieval. Based on these experiences, we outline the major observed benefits of KQML and matchmaking. In addition, we discuss several problematic issues and potential solutions, including representational challenges in advertising complex databases, the need for persistent requests in information brokering, the dilemm~ between explicit vs. implicit brokering, problems in error recovery and response timing, consistency among information providers, and efficiency.