ArchitecturalmodelingIntroducingtheArchitectureMeta-Model.docVIP

Architectural Modeling, introducing the Architecture MetaModel Yolanda van Dinther, William Schijfs, Frank van den Berk, Kees Rijnierse Origin Technical Automation / In-Product Software De Run 1121, 5503 LB Veldhoven, The Netherlands AbstractArchitectural modeling is a technique to generically structure architectures into various complementary units. Each unit addresses a specific concern, thus enabling separation of concerns. Architectural modeling also helps to decrease complexity, to ensure completeness of the architecture, to organize its documentation and to improve communication with the various stakeholders. At present, architectural modeling seems to be a relatively unexplored area. In literature, only a few architecture models have been published. Two examples are the “Soni model” [1] and the “4+1 View Model” [2], both applicable to software architecture. The main goal of this paper is to introduce a new architecture reference model that is applicable to various kinds of architecture, hence its name: the Architecture MetaModel. The model describes both a generic Meta architecture and specific versions for both system and software architecture. The MetaModel was developed within Origin’s In-Product Software department (starting in 1996) and is therefore primarily targeted towards product development. Still, the character of the MetaModel easily enables application in other areas as well. Below, first an introduction to architectures in general is contained. Next, the Architecture MetaModel is explained in terms of its content. In the third section, a way of working when developing an architecture according to the MetaModel is proposed. Finally, experiences, lessons learned and conclusions so far are described. In the appendix, a number of discussion items are included. Introduction to architectures Architecture is getting increasingly important for product development. Its relevance in developing more standardized and paradoxically more customizable produc