Agent technologies have steadily matured in moving from the research laboratory to industrial application over the last ten years. Numerous systems have been deployed or are under advanced development with strong industrial support. These systems suggest important lessons for both industry and researchers. From an industrial perspective, these examples reflect trends in both business and technology that make agents an increasingly attractive commercial tool. From a research perspective, these examples identify important gaps in agent technology that merit the attention of academicians.
H. Van Dyke Parunak