Concern-based composition and reuse of distributed systems

Abstract

Successful reusable software for large-scale distributed systems often must operate in multiple contexts, e.g., due to (1) integration with other systems using different technologies and platforms, (2) constant fine tuning needed to satisfy changing customer needs, and (3) evolving market conditions resulting from new laws and regulations. This situation causes vexing challenges for developers of reusable software, who must manage the variation between these contexts without overcomplicating their solutions and exceeding project time and effort constraints. This paper provides three contributions to R&D efforts that address these challenges. First, it motivates the use of a concern-based approach to enhance the level of abstraction at which component-based distributed systems are developed and reused to (1) improve software quality and developer productivity, and (2) localize variability aspects to simplify substitution of reusable component implementations. Second, we present our experience dealing with different domain- and middleware-specific variability gained applying model-based component middleware software technologies to develop an Inventory Tracking System that manages the flow of goods in warehouses. Third, we present a concern-based research strategy aimed at effectively managing the variability caused by the presence of multiple middleware platforms and technologies. Our experience to date shows that using model-based software tools and component middleware as the core elements of software composition and reuse - in conjunction with concern-based commonality and variability analysis - helps reduce development complexity, improve system maintainability and reuse, and increase developer productivity. © Springer-Verlag 2004.