Model driven architecture for telecommunications
Although the OMG consortium initially focused on the formulation of standards for distributed object-oriented systems, it has been recently involved also in the development of model-based technology and standards. The MDA constitutes an innovative and promising architecture that was based on several standards, such as Unified Modeling Language (UML), Meta-Object Facility (MOF) and XML Metadata Interchange (XMI). The MODA-TEL project attempted to interpret the MDA for telecommunication system development and operation. This is a joint effort of European stakeholders with a business orientation in component architectures. The key project objectives included the development of a sound methodology, guidelines and tools to assist in the application of MDA in the telecom technology domain. More specifically, a new methodology that was based on Software Process Engineering Metamodel (SPEM) terminology was specified that can be applied in the MDA-based development. Thereby, the MODA-TEL methodology identifies phases, including project management, preliminary and detailed preparation, infrastructure set-up and project execution. Each of the phases is subdivided into specific activities. Since the effective application of the methodology requires specification of the project type, projects are classified into five different types. These are engineering, integration, reverse engineering, re-engineering and migration project types. The methodology and guidelines are offered to companies interested in applying the MDA principles. Due to the broad applicability of this methodology, potential partners could be engaged in other industries, not necessarily in the telecommunications domain. For further information, click at: http://www.eurescom.de/modatel/(opens in new window)
