EmPowerTec UML and modeling blog

Hello!

There is a nice post from Miguel Garcia on the topic of automatically translating OCL expressions in natural language. I think that can significantly improve the acceptance of OCL because the expressions can be better understood by people who do not know OCL, in particular domain experts without education in formal languages. The examples in the blog posting are quite impressive. Unfortunately, the underlying software seems to use an exotic programming environment and proprietary input models; so integration in other software is probably not so easy.

Best regards,
Andreas

Technorati Tags: OCL, natural language translation

Hello!

Recently, there was an announcement on the Yahoo! Groups mda-discussion list for the 4th International Workshop on ODP for Enterprise Computing (WODPEC 2007). Since I have never heard of RM-ODP I took the opportunity to learn something new.

The RM-ODP is an ISO standard that is used to provide a framework for the documentation of distributed processing systems. This means it gives interested stakeholders of such systems well defined terms and concepts that they can use to describe a system (e.g. a software system). The concepts that are defined are, for example:

• Class
• Type
• Component
• Composition
• Action

and some more.

Remarkably, they use UML to describe parts of this standard, e.g. UML profiles and metamodels for the “5 ODP viewpoints” (Magicdraw models). There is also an example available online (look in appendix B).

Interesting stuff, but not easy to grasp.

Best regards,
Andreas

Technorati Tags: distributed processing, rm-odp

Hello!

In his paper 5 Practical Tips for Enterprise Architects Dan Massey states that one of the challenges of modern software development is the distribution of development teams across different geographical (and cultural, I’d like to amend) regions. This requires more efficient communication and one of the means to achieve this is to use formal methods which includes – among others – the usage of OCL.

The other recommendations are:

• Establish, maintain and mandate architectural standards
• Create a domain model and focus on becoming a business domain expert
• Train teams on the architecture standards and domain model
• Always consider your customer

Dan works for a tool vendor (Borland) so you have decide on your own how much you think his paper is inspired by the interests of the company he works for.

Best regards,
Andreas

Technorati Tags: formal methods, distributed software development

Hello!

Recently I stumbled upon a software that sounded very interesting to me. It seems to support the design of user interfaces with high integration in Enterprise Architect. When I wanted to download the trial version I was asked to register.
And they ask for a lot of mandatory information including a user name and password which is pretty ridiculous given my interest just to try a software. Since I do not see any necessity to provide this information I decided not to try this software. I’d be curious to know how many other users have just closed their browser window when they noticed the required registration. At least I have let them known my interest and opinion with a friendly email.

Best regards,
Andreas