'Universidad de Sevilla - Secretariado de Recursos Audiovisuales y Nuevas Tecnologias'
Abstract
Advances in computer networking technology and open system standards have made practically
feasible to create and manage virtual enterprises. A virtual enterprise, VE, is usually defined as a
temporary alliance of enterprises that come together to share their skills, core competencies, and
resources in order to better respond to business opportunities, and whose cooperation is supported by
computer networks.
The materialization of this paradigm, although enabled by recent advances in communication
technologies, computer networks and logistics, requires an appropriate architectural framework and
support tools.
In this paper we propose an agent-based model of a dynamic VE to support the different selection
processes that are used in selecting the partners for a dynamic VE, where the partners of a VE are
represented by agents. Such a framework will form the basis for tools that provide automated support
for creation, and operation, of dynamic virtual enterprises
