CORDIS Archive

Supporting Reuse in Software Development

The REBOOT Methodology offers an innovative approach to the introduction of reuse into the existing software development process.

Overview

Software reuse is emerging as a more productive and effective alternative to the conventional software development process. Instead of analysing input requirements from scratch each time a software product is developed, the reuse-oriented process builds new products from an existing repository of available software assets. This not only allows a shorter time-to-market, but also contributes to improved quality, standardisation, and reduced maintenance in software production.

The REBOOT methodology helps organisations introduce software reuse into their software development process in a planned and non-intrusive way. It is based on a holistic approach, addressing all levels of an organisation, including managers, project managers, developers and designers, by means of modular consultancy services and training courses, supported by a Methodology Handbook and a Software Environment.

Business perspective

The potential benefits of using REBOOT to introduce software reuse are by no means application specific. Whilst first proven in the highly demanding military and space sectors, software reuse has also generated considerable interest among managers and software engineers in the telecommunications, banking and aerospace sectors. The methodology can be most effectively applied in development environments which use object-oriented techniques, and in large companies which require the development of similar applications. The market potential for software reuse is much higher than is actually exploited; currently only 60% of any software development is taken from previous developments, which could be increased to 90% in the near future. Furthermore, REBOOT is in a strong position to capitalise from this market growth.

Technical perspective

The REBOOT Methodology is an innovative approach to software reuse, which targets all company levels from management to production. In particular:-

training packages are offered by each of the project partners, and can either be generic or tailored to a target audience;
consultancy services can first check an organisation's capability to adopt reuse methodologies, and later help in their integration into the existing software production cycles;
a Methodology Handbook is available, published by John Wiley & Sons;
training and consultancy are supported by the REBOOT workbench. It supports all reused life cycle phases such as identification, reengineering, qualification and storage of software components, and their retrieval, evaluation and adaptation for integration in new products.

Application

The Norwegian communications company, Garex, was one of the first companies to demonstrate the benefits of adopting reuse via the REBOOT methodology. Producing communications systems for the air traffic control and vessel traffic management, Garex's customer requirements are generally similar with slight variations according to local conditions. By introducing the REBOOT methodology, Garex were able to maximise the deployment of development resources and deliver application systems to more competitive time scales. As a result, Garex has increased its market share far beyond what would have been possible with the previous development approach.

Contact Point

Jean-Marc Morel

Bull S.A Software Development Methodology

Rue Jean-Jaures

F-78340 Les Clayes-sous-Bois

France

tel +33-1-30-80-74-48 -- fax +34-1-30-80-70-78

e-mail j.m.morel@frcl.bull.fr

www http://www.sema.es/projects/SER/

Research Area Software Technologies

Project REBOOT 5327

Keywords object-oriented software; software engineering;software reuse;

		Project Participants
		Bull S.A. FR
		CAP Gemini Innovation FR
		EP Frameworks SE
		Q-Labs SE
		Sema Group SAE ES
		Siemens AG DE
		Sintef NO
		TXT IT

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