Systems: Model-driven development configuration of different model instances based on feature selections in the SPL feature profile for a particular product. On the MDD side of the MDD/SPL bridge, UML and SysML models explicitly show both the common and varying parts of the product line design. Each SPL variation point’s design – including the options, alternatives, and the logical specification that differentiates them – is directly visible in the model. This allows optional elements and alternative behaviors to be specified for model elements, where the options and alternatives reflect the feature diversity that needs to be supported in the model. The approach offered by an MDD/SPL bridge provides the benefits of consolidation offered by the one-size-fits-all approach and the benefits of precise customization offered by the cloneand-own approach, without the associated drawbacks. When the SPL product configurator configures all the variation points in an MDD model to produce the model for a product, the result is the precise model needed – nothing more, nothing less.
Leveraging the synergy for business advantage
These tactical engineering benefits enable companies to deliver more new products and features faster, while optimizing product quality. The resulting strategic business benefits are large enough to change the fundamentals of how companies compete. Charles Krueger, PhD, is the founder and CEO of BigLever Software and has 20 years of experience in software development practice. He has led commercial software product line development teams and helped companies – including Salion, 2004 Software Product Line Hall of Fame inductee, and LSI Logic, 2006 Software Product Line Hall of Fame inductee – establish software product line practices. He is the author of more than 30 articles, columns, and book chapters. He is also a frequent organizer and speaker for the International Software Product Line Conferences and moderates the SoftwareProductLines.com practitioner community website. He received his PhD in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University. He can be reached at ckrueger@biglever.com.
y l n Software, Inc. O BigLever t 512-426-2227 n i www.biglever.com r P e l g n i S r o F
Companies face complex challenges when creating and maintaining the software needed to support a rapidly expanding product line portfolio. To better address this challenge, an MDD/ SPL bridge solution converges the synergistic MDD and SPL approaches. With this integration, development organizations can achieve dramatic productivity gains and heightened efficiency.
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