Interoperability of distributed and heterogeneous systems based on software agent-oriented frameworks

Abstract

The paper introduces the concept of software agent-oriented frameworks for the design and the development of interoperable environments. Interoperability is a process that allows cooperative interactions between several systems. These latter are distributed on networks and can present incompatibilities in different ways (material, software, terminology). As a solution, we suggest to develop multiagent systems that will enable heterogeneous systems to interact efficiently. These systems are composed of software agents integrated in a framework architecture. Our research is applied to the SIGAL project1 which aims at developing an interoperable environment for georeference libraries. A georeference library is a metadatabase describing several geodocumentary resources available in an organization. Most organizations developed their georeference libraries without considering a real standardization with other partners in the field. Therefore, we intend to set up software agent oriented frameworks that will support georeference library interoperability by providing users with services that will free them from worrying about information distribution and terminological disparities.