(1) For artificial intelligent agents, see
AI agent.
(2) For human self-determination, see
human agency.
(3) A software routine that performs an action on its own either continuously or when a specified event occurs. For example, the time of day can trigger an agent. Also called a "bot" and "intelligent agent," the term comes from "agency," which means self-determination. Long before AI, software agents have been around for decades. See
bot and
RPA.
(4) An employee of an inbound or outbound call center whose job it is to assist people or make sales. See
agent turnover.
(5) Another term for "employee" or "representative" across many industries; for example, insurance agent, travel agent and FBI agent.