Data integration in agent based modelling

We describe a framework, SMUSA, for developing scenarios in a networked business environment using agent based modelling. The framework is usable by anybody with domain expertise, but requiring no programming knowledge. By developing the specification details in XML, the framework integrates smoothly with data mining tools for parameterising customer preferences and identifying opportunities and threats. A key requirement of successful agent based modelling is the incorporation of real data. The interface to data warehouses and other resources, we achieve through the universal interchange format, XML. We describe a simple example of financial services in rural areas using RePast as the ABM software engine.