This methodical presentation of intelligent software agents is based on a series of case studies. The authors first present the foundations, then give a thorough description of the influences of artificial intelligence, networks, and communication systems. The relevant development methods and tools are described next, followed by the application areas for intelligent software agents. Numerous examples are used to offer the reader extended descriptions of individual software agents, especially the agents BargainFinder and Kasbah. The treatment balances equally the basic foundations and the practical implementation of intelligent software agents. Thus the book is equally suited for both application and development work.