Trust-Based Adaptation in Complex Service-Oriented Systems

Complex networks consisting of humans and software services, such as Web-based social and collaborative environments, typically require flexible and context-based interaction models. Due to the dynamics in such systems, networks are in a state of constant flux and change. Several fundamental concepts, including discovery, interactions, task delegations and executions are no longer based on static policies, but need periodic readjustments. Sophisticated adaptation techniques for improving collaborations are within the key research areas in service-oriented systems. In this paper, we introduce an adaptation approach that accounts for emerging trust relations based on varying interaction behavior of network members. We describe a science collaboration scenario that applies adaptive information sharing techniques. In our model, trust evolves from cooperative behavior of collaboration partners. This behavioral trust provides an intuitive grounding for adaptations and optimizations of member compositions and sharing policies. As people prove their reliable and dependable behavior in jointly performed activities, they become increasingly considered as invaluable partners. We describe the foundational concepts, including support for ad-hoc and self-managed collaboration scenarios, and dynamic trust determination supported by SOA concepts. Furthermore, we present a reference architecture, and evaluate its applicability for large-scale collaboration networks.