Role of Software Agents in realizing Semantic Grid

Semantic grid activities have taken momentum with the advancements and research in existing grid and related technologies. Software agents have been determined as key resource entities in the semantic grid vision but their role is still ambiguous. Our approach is that semantics are needed in grids for interoperability between software agents at knowledge level. One of the most important goals of semantic grid is to bring seamless automation in grid which can be visualized as autonomous software agents fulfilling a given agenda of goals with least human intervention. In current grid scenario, due to lack of semantics, agents cannot understand services which drastically affects the negotiation, coordination and cooperation capabilities to form virtual organizations. Hence semantics are highly desirable so as to act as a catalyst to enhance the capabilities of software agents in order to bring seamless automation in grid. Our contribution in the paper is to identify the research issues and their solutions to incorporate the capabilities of software agents that can help in achieving semantic grid goals.