Real-Life MDA: Solving Business Problems with Model Driven Architecture

Model Driven Architecture (MDA) is a new approach to software development that helps companies manage large, complex software projects and save development costs while allowing new technologies that come along to be readily incorporated. Although it is based on many long-standing industry precepts and best practices, such as UML, it is enough of a departure from traditional IT approaches to require some "proof of the pudding."

Real-Life MDA is composed of six case studies of real companies using MDA that will furnish that proof. The authors' approach MDA projects by describing all aspects of the project from the viewpoint of the end-users-from the reason for choosing an MDA approach to the results and benefits. The case studies are preceded by an introductory chapter and are followed by a wrap-up chapter summarizing lessons learned.

Written for executives, analysts, architects, and engineers positioned to influence business-oriented software development at the highest levelsFilled with concrete examples and analyses of how MDA is relevant for organizations of various sizesConsiders a range of uses for MDA—from business process analysis to full-scale software modeling and developmentPresents results for each case study in terms of tangible, measured benefits, including automatically generated code, defect reduction, improved visibility, and ROI

Foreword
Preface

I. Introduction

II. Case Studies (this structure repeats for each of the six case studies)
A. Why the client chose an MDA Approach and What They Hoped to Achieve
B. How MDA Was Used
1. Process and Tools
2. Actual Project Experience
3. (Optional) Organizational Development
C. Results and Benefits
D. Ongoing and Planned Use of MDA
E. Client Assessment of the MDA Experience

III. Summary and Conclusions
A. Common Factors in MDA Usage and Success
B. Who Is Likely To Benefit from MDA?
C. Selected Scenarios of MDA Uptake
D. Final Words

Glossary
Index