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In the chapter "Agent based modeling. Technology overview", we present an overview of the technologies and techniques used in agent based modeling. Agent based models are very diverse in architecture, behavior types, number of agents, space types and so on. Other modeling methods (discrete event and system dynamics) are often used inside and outside agents. Although there is no special or standard language for agent based modeling, there are “design patterns” that are common to many agent based models. The chapter includes example models described in the step-by-step manner: Air Defense System, Wildfire (featuring combined discrete-continuous space), and also some discrete space classics: Schelling Segregation and Conway’s Game of Life.

Many people, who are interested in sales forecasting, are familiar with the book Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely. The abstract of the book states: “Dan Ariely refutes the common assumption that we behave in fundamentally rational ways. From drinking coffee to losing weight, from buying a car to choosing a romantic partner, we consistently overpay, underestimate, and procrastinate. Yet these misguided behaviors are neither random nor senseless. They're systematic and predictable—making us predictably irrational.” The irrationality of human decisions is the basis of behavioral economics. Predictably Irrational, and many other books, give many examples which argue the idea of consumer rationality. Businesses are irrational too, as they are guided by human beings.

The winner of the simulation modeling contest, organized by The AnyLogic Company on RunTheModel.com, has been decided. Alex Shcherbyna, from the Ukraine, won with his Times Square Outdoor Advertising Effectiveness model. His model is a presentation of simulation for an outdoor advertising estimation in the media planning industry. In an interview, Alex tells us how he got this far.

A new Spanish web course featuring AnyLogic available: "Multimethod simulation for business".

AnyLogic North America participated in the 31st International Conference of the System Dynamics Society, Cambridge, Massachusetts USA, July 21 – July 25, 2013. The conference brought together people from around the world to share important research and application results to build the community of those active in the field of Systems Dynamics. Since SD is one of the main modeling methods in AnyLogic 6 (along with Agent based and Discrete Event modeling), this conference was a great chance for AnyLogic North America to expand the modeling horizons of SD community. As one of the Key Sponsor of the event, our logo and company information was prominently displayed across the venue.

AnyLogic North America conducted its first training program in their new Midwest facility last week July 15th – July 19th with great success. Over 30 students participated in the back-to-back Fundamentals Training / In-Depth training program. The diversity of the students ranged from educators, manufactures, and consultants. Some were already AnyLogic customers however there were a great deal of potential customers who participated in the class to get a solid understanding of how AnyLogic can solve their business problems and complete their evaluation process. With 3 instructors, the class enjoyed the diversity of questions as well as the range of business challenges. We even had our first High School educator who will be using AnyLogic in his Advanced Math course! In addition to the class, we were honored by Jean-Patrick Tsang, PhD of Bayser Analysis and Chad Dau, Associate Director of Marketing Analytics at Astellas Phama who were gracious enough to present the model they created for Astellas with AnyLogic using Agent-Based modeling for New Product Launch.