The article discusses the suitability of agent-oriented approaches for developing complex, distributed software systems. It argues that agent-based systems offer significant advantages over traditional methods by providing a natural framework for managing complexity, decomposing problems, and modeling interactions. Agents are encapsulated systems with autonomous actions, situated in environments where they interact flexibly to achieve their objectives. The article highlights the hierarchical nature of complex systems, the importance of decomposition and abstraction, and the need for flexible management of organizational relationships. It also emphasizes the natural fit of agent-oriented approaches with real-world problems, where multiple loci of control and dynamic interactions are common. The case study of provisioning a virtual private network illustrates how agents can represent individuals and organizations, engage in knowledge-level interactions, and manage complex organizational contexts. The conclusion reiterates the growing adoption of agent-oriented techniques in various applications and their potential to revolutionize software engineering practices.The article discusses the suitability of agent-oriented approaches for developing complex, distributed software systems. It argues that agent-based systems offer significant advantages over traditional methods by providing a natural framework for managing complexity, decomposing problems, and modeling interactions. Agents are encapsulated systems with autonomous actions, situated in environments where they interact flexibly to achieve their objectives. The article highlights the hierarchical nature of complex systems, the importance of decomposition and abstraction, and the need for flexible management of organizational relationships. It also emphasizes the natural fit of agent-oriented approaches with real-world problems, where multiple loci of control and dynamic interactions are common. The case study of provisioning a virtual private network illustrates how agents can represent individuals and organizations, engage in knowledge-level interactions, and manage complex organizational contexts. The conclusion reiterates the growing adoption of agent-oriented techniques in various applications and their potential to revolutionize software engineering practices.