A Methodology for the Analysis and Design of Multi-Agent Systems using JADE

A methodology is proposed for the development of multi-agent systems using the JADE platform. The proposed methodology focuses on the key issues in the analysis and design of multi-agent systems. The analysis phase is generic in nature, while the design phase specifically focuses on the constructs provided by the popular FIPA-compliant JADE platform. The methodology essentially serves as a guide, providing a direction for the multi-agent system designer, while also giving them the opportunity to add or remove components as desired, based on the specific problem domain. In contrast to current methodologies, support is also provided for existing systems and people to be included and accounted for in the multi-agent system. The methodology is illustrated by applying it to a hypothetical but illustrative scenario. Moreover, it is presented in such a way that designers new to the field of agent-based computing and the JADE platform can quickly grasp the most important concepts in the development of a multi-agent system. Similarly, people currently familiar with the JADE platform can also benefit from the methodology, which, when applied, should lead to a significant reduction in system development time.