Market architecture for multi-agent contracting

We present a testbed for multi-agent negotiation, implemented as a generalized market architecture called MAGNET (Multi AGent NEgotiation Testbed). In contrast with other approaches to multi-agent negotiation, we introduce an explicit intermediary into the negotiation process. We show how this approach helps in controlling fraud and discouraging counterspeculation. MAGNET provides support for a variety of types of transactions, from simple buying and selling of goods and services to complex multi-agent contract negotiations. It is organized around three basic components: the exchange, the market, and the session. We also present a negotiation protocol for planning by contracting that takes advantage of the services of the market. Finally, we describe the open, extensible implementation of MAGNET.