An XML-based agent model for supporting user activities on the Web

In this paper we present X-Compass, an XML-based agent model for supporting a user in his Web activities. X-Compass is the result of our attempt of synthesizing, in a unique context, important guidelines currently characterizing the research in various Computer Science sectors. Indeed, it constructs and handles a rather rich, even if light, user profile; this latter is exploited for supporting the user in an efficient search of information of his interest; in this way, it behaves as a content-based Recommender System. Moreover, it is particularly suited for constructing multi-agent systems and, therefore, for implementing collaborative filtering recommendation techniques. In addition, since it widely uses XML technology, it is particularly light and capable of operating on various hardware and software platforms. The adoption of XML also facilitates the information exchange among X-Compass agents and, consequently, makes the management and the exploitation of X-Compass based multi-agent systems easier.