Many professionals in the technology industry are seeking new solutions beyond the confines of the more traditional type software tools, network design solutions and distributed systems applications. The aim of this book is to provide for them a much needed upgrade of knowledge and skills by addressing the developing technical and business perspectives which have emerged from the deregulation of telecommunications, including issues connected to costs and tariffs. It also addresses a comprehensible introduction to the research, development and implementation of agents. Based on thorough research undertaken from 1993-96 in the United States, Europe and Japan, much practical material is included, with both comprehensive examples and case studies.