An object-oriented method and language for implementing cooperative distributed problem solving

Cooperative distributed problem-solving systems (CDPS) offer computer methods for coordinating group expertise in the solving of problems. Much of the research to the present has been empirical testing of informal methods for implementation. There is a need for more formal methods to guide this process. Object-oriented methods provide a natural means of representing the essential features of CDPS in a formal, yet flexible, manner. Moreover, we can smoothly integrate object orientation and logic in a meaningful way, as demonstrated by the Harmony language. In this paper, we apply the Harmony framework to the field of CDPS. Our exposition takes the reader from conceptual development to fundamentals of an auditing application.