Shopbots are agents that automatically search the Internet to obtain information about prices and other attributes of goods and services. They herald a future in which autonomous agents profoundly influence electronic markets. In this study, a simple economic model is proposed and analyzed, which is intended to quantify some of the likely impacts of a proliferation of shopbots and other economically-motivated software agents. In addition, this paper reports on simulations of pricebots - adaptive, pricesetting agents which firms may well implement to combat, or even take advantage of, the growing community of shopbots. This study forms part of a larger research program that aims to provide insights into the impact of agent technology on the nascent information economy.

. Shopbots are agents that search the Internet for information pertaining to the price and quality of goods or services. With the advent of shopbots, a dramatic reduction in search costs is imminent, which promises (or threatens) to radically alter market behavior. This research includes the proposal and theoretical analysis of a simple economic model which is intended to capture some of the essence of shopbots, and attempts to shed light on their potential impact on markets. Moreover, experimental simulations of an economy of software agents are described, which are designed to model the dynamic interaction of electronic buyers, sellers, and shopbots. This study forms part of a larger research program that aims to provide new insights on the impact of agent and information technology on the nascent information economy. 1 Introduction Shopbots, agents that automatically search the Internet for goods and services on behalf of consumers, herald a future in which autonomous agents become...

This paper can be purchased in bound hardcopy for $15 Cdn, plus postage, by contacting the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives at the above address, phone number, or email address. Cover design by Byron Henderson Editing, interior design, and layout by Nora Russell Printed in Canada Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data Henderson, Byron The components of online education : higher education on the Internet (Occasional paper series / Centre for the Study of Co-operatives ; 98--02) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0--88880--386--9 1. Internet (Computer network) in education. 2. Industry and education. 3. Education, Higher---Technological innovations. 4. Education, Higher---Computer-assisted instruction. I. University of Saskatchewan. Centre for the Study of Co-operatives. II. Title