Model driven architecture: foundations and applications

Abstract

The OMG's Model Driven Architecture (MDA) initiative has been the focus of much attention in both academia and industry, due to its promise of more rapid and consistent software development through the increased use of models. In order for MDA to reach its full potential, the ability to manipulate and transform models -most obviously from the Platform Independent Model (PIM) to the Platform Specic Models (PSM)- is vital. Recognizing this need, the OMG issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) largely concerned with nding a suitable mechanism for transforming models. This paper outlines the relevant background material, summarizes the approach taken by the QVT-Partners (to whom the authors belong), presents a non-trivial example using the QVT-Partners approach, and nally sketches out what the future holds for model transformations