Abstract. With the emergence of agent-oriented software engineering techniques, software engineers have a new way of conceptualizing complex distributed software requirements. To help determine the most appropriate software engineering methodology, a set of defining criteria is required. In this paper, we describe out approach to determining these criteria, as well as a technique to assist software engineers with the selection of a software engineering methodology based on those criteria.

Abstract. This paper analyzes the performance differences between static and mobile multiagent systems. To do so, we developed solutions to a distributed text search problem, each using a different approach to multiagent systems (static versus mobile) on an isolated test network. Changes were then made to the agent environment, various constraints applied, and the resulting effect on the systems measured. Each system was evaluated using a number of performance metrics to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the respective approach.