Dr Robert Ghanea-Hercock

British Telecom, UK

Abstract

The future of Telecommunication systems will be dominated by computer enhanced mobile communication devices i.e. Communicators, capable of delivering voice, multimedia, and computing functionality to the mobile user. Such devices will become the primary interface to telecommunications and Internet networks within 2 years, outnumbering the traditional desktop computer interface. This paper discusses why mobile software agents are an ideal technology to support and enhance the operation of such devices; for example by providing transparent network management and support for mobile E-commerce. The paper also reviews the commercial value agent based technologies can facilitate.