The Internet is revolutionizing retail merchandising and shopping. Software agents are capable of automating the more routine, tedious and time-consuming tasks involved in the trading process. Internet Commerce and Software Agents: Cases, Technologies and Opportunities addresses some major Internet commerce issues and the challenges to be met in achieving automated and secure Internet trading.

Among the many changes brought by the Internet is the emergence of electronic commerce over the Web. E-commerce activities, such as the online exchange of information, services, and products, are opening up completely new opportunities for business, at new levels of productivity and profitability. In parallel with the emergence of e-commerce, intelligent software agents as entities capable of independent action in open, unpredictable environments have matured into a promising new technology. Quite naturally, e-commerce agents hold great promise for exploiting the Internet's full potential as an electronic marketplace. The 20 coherently written chapters in this book by leading researchers and professionals present the state of the art in agent-mediated e-commerce. Researchers, professionals, and advanced students interested in e-commerce or agent technology will find this book an indispensable source of information and reference.

The new digital economy has pronounced implications for corporate strategy, marketing, operations, information systems, customer service, global supply-chain management, and product distribution. This handbook examines most aspects of electronic commerce, including electronic storefronts, online business, consumer interface, business-to-business networking, digital payment, legal issues, information product development, and electronic business models. An indispensable reference for professionals in e-commerce and Internet business.

From theoretical and practical viewpoints, the application of intelligent software agents is a topic of major interest. There has been a growing interest not only in new methodologies for development of intelligent software agents, but also the way in which these methodologies can be supported by theories and practice. Intelligent Agent Software Engineering focuses on addressing the theories and practices associated with implementing intelligent software agents.

Compiles top research from the world's leading experts on many topics related to electronic commerce. Covers topics including mobile commerce, virtual enterprises, business-to-business applications, Web services, and enterprise methodologies.

The first book to provide an integrative presentation of the issues, challenges and success of designing, building and using agent applications. The chapters presented are written by internationally leading authorities in the field, with a general audience in mind. The result is a unique overview of agent technology applications, ranging from an introduction to the technical foundations to reports on dealing with specific agent systems in practice.

"This book delivers definitive research on the use of agent technologies to advance the practice of electronic business in today's organizations, targeting the needs of enterprises in open and dynamic business opportunities to incorporate skilled use of multiple independent information systems. It clearly articulates the stages involved in developing agent-based e-business systems"--Provided by publisher.