Applications of AI techniques to distributed systems

The authors examine the close relationship between problems encountered in distributed processing systems (DPS) and distributed artificial intelligence systems (DAIs). In DPSs and DAIs one has to deal with problems related to factors relating to architectures, technologies, languages, algorithms, structures, operating systems, and communications. Using heuristics, modal logics, theories of knowledge and belief, and concepts of expert systems, the performance of such systems is enhanced. Some aspects of the application of AI techniques and the use of intelligent agents (IAs) to enhance synergism that results from the interaction among the above factors are discussed. In order to understand the relationship between DPS and DAIs the authors introduce some concepts that are represented in such systems. They also introduce some concepts of the object-oriented approach, which can be used to deal with abstractions and thus simplify the intricacies that exist in those interactions.<>