All computing equipment is connected via the Mediapoli pilot network. The assessment compares agent technology against the conventional client-server technologies and the remote service execution approaches. Experience from service developers has been collected by means of a developer questionnaire that has been used to collect information about agents as an implementation technology. Moreover, controlled testing environments have been implemented in which the specified agent intelligence has been put to test. Assessment criteria have been defined and trial scenarios have been developed to ensure measurability of the criteria.
Feedback is collected via on-line questionnaire.
The test users use the service at their homes with their own PCs connected to the Mediapoli network. Each student goes through a test session with the service, using the same test tasks as in the laboratory trials. Each user is then asked to fill in a paper questionnaire, in parallel with carrying out the test tasks. The questionnaire includes a multiple-choice section with claims about the systems ease of use, technical reliability and the reliability of the system's choice of retailers. The agent-based approach for accounting, charging, and personal mobility support has been defined, implemented and applied and validated through trials, both in laboratory and pilot network environments, involving real users.