Method and architecture for the creation, control and deployment of services within a distributed computer environment

An agent for controlling services in a service-based distributed computing environment, each service is adapted for performing a prescribed function, said services are further adapted to cooperatively perform various tasks by sending and receiving electronic messages, said agent comprising:

• an identification element for uniquely identifying said agent across said distributed computing environment;
• a means for associating said agent with one or more services;
• and
• one or more auxiliary elements for defining a behavior of said agent with respect to each associated service;
• wherein said agents are adapted to control the execution and operation of said associated service in accordance with said defined behavior through the manipulation of messages directed to and originating from said associated service.

A distributed computing system comprising:

• a communication network;
• a plurality of computer hosts adapted for exchanging information and data across said communication network;
• wherein each computer host includes a computer readable memory configured with specific physical properties that represent one or more computer application-based services, each of said services adapted to perform a prescribed function in response to the receipt of an electronic message, said services further adapted to cooperatively perform one or more tasks;
• and
• wherein each of said computer readable memory is further configured with specific physical properties that represent one or more agents operatively associated with said services such that said agents are adapted to control said associated services by manipulating said electronic messages directed to and originating from said associated service;
• wherein said services cooperatively perform said tasks by exchanging said electronic messages across said communication network via associated agents.