Dynamic process modelling and communication in environment information systems of the third generation

With the growing amount of distributed and heterogeneous information, conventional Environment Information Systems (EIS) have come to their limits. In order to overcome these problems, this work elaborates the concept of the Logical Client, an agent-enhanced architecture that is used by participants of the EIS. It consists of independent agents and uses artificial intelligence to cope with complex patterns of communication and actions. The Service Agent Layer as communication framework is based on CORBA, KQML and KIF. The standardised interface agents use rule based systems to find adequate reactions to incoming messages. The Strategy Service as an example of an agent is a utility-based agent for dynamic process modelling. It plans workflow processes depending on the needs of the user and the availability of services and resources. This architecture of the Logical Client has the potential to overcome complexity in information systems.