MDA: Techniques for letting MDA be accessible to all

Tutorial T1

By: Philippe Desfray (Softeam)

Abstract

MDA is now supported by a wide variety of standards, notably UML2 and MOF2 or XMI2.1. Other standards are expected, such as QVT or MOF2text. MDA is a technology that is already supported by many tools, that has been used within a large number of applications, and that many people from the software community are aware of. There is a general agreement that MDA can provide a breakthrough in software productivity and quality in many situations. But still, MDA is not having a widespread usage and recognition for software application developments.

Why is there such a situation? What is missing?

This tutorial will first recall the MDA technique, put a specific emphasis on UML and its extension mechanism (Profile), and present the expected features that should facilitate the dissemination of the MDA technology. It takes its sources from the MODELWARE European research project, and from the internal research effort conducted within SOFTEAM.

Duration: Half day

Level and Required experience

Intermediate.
The audience should be aware of modeling practices. Knowledge of UML is recommended, and initial knowledge of MDA would help.

Speaker's profile

Philippe DESFRAY, is an expert in object oriented method, and VP for R&D in the SOFTEAM company. He has created an object oriented method in 1990, published three books, in particular « Object Engineering - The fourth dimension - APISON WESLEY - 1994. » and has conducted the development of the Objecteering Case tool. In 1994, he has introduced a technique called « Hypergenericity » close to the UML profile technique, supporting model transformation.

His continuous work on Model driven engineering has conducted him to heavily influence the « UML Profile standard », and to drive the development of MDA based evolutions of the Objecteering case tool. Since 1994, Philippe Desfray represents SOFTEAM as a Contributing Member at the OMG, and actively participates to the UML definition, and to new standards such as « SPEM ». In particular, Philippe has been leading the definition of the UML Profile mechanism for UML1.4, and UML2.0.