(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, a specified time of day can trigger an agent. Also called a "bot" and "intelligent agent," the term comes from "agency," which means self-determination. Agents have been around for decades, and there are millions of them. See
bot and
RPA.
(4) An employee of an inbound call center that people contact for sales or service, or an employee of an outbound telemarketing center whose job it is to make sales. See
agent turnover.
(5) Another term for "employee" or "representative" across many industries; for example, insurance agent, travel agent, FBI agent and political agent.