The rapid evolution of Large Language Models (LLMs) has transformed them from basic conversational tools into sophisticated entities capable of complex reasoning and decision-making. These advancements have led to the development of specialized LLM-based agents designed for diverse tasks such as coding and web browsing. As these agents become more capable, the need for a robust framework that facilitates global communication and collaboration among them towards advanced objectives has become increasingly critical. Distributed Agents in a Worldwide Network (DAWN) addresses this need by offering a versatile framework that integrates LLM-based agents with traditional software systems, enabling the creation of agentic applications suited for a wide range of use cases. DAWN enables distributed agents worldwide to register and be easily discovered through Gateway Agents. Collaborations among these agents are coordinated by a Principal Agent equipped with reasoning strategies. DAWN offers three operational modes: No-LLM Mode for deterministic tasks, Copilot for augmented decision-making, and LLM Agent for autonomous operations. Additionally, DAWN ensures the safety and security of agent collaborations globally through a dedicated safety, security, and compliance layer, protecting the network against attackers and adhering to stringent security and compliance standards. These features make DAWN a robust network for deploying agent-based applications across various industries.

Earlier in my career, I spent more than a decade working in the infrastructure assurance field, more commonly referred to as critical infrastructure protection (CIP) in the years following the September 11 attacks. The goal of CIP was to identify dependencies on specific infrastructure assets, based on operational requirements. In short: "What do we need to do our job?" While the term "critical infrastructure" is often used in a generic sense, criticality is a term of art central to successful infrastructure assurance. In order to allocate resources and develop effective risk management and mitigation plans, it was necessary to identify critical assets based on operational need by answering the basic question: "What do you need to do, when do you need to do it, and where do you need to do it?"