Aspect-oriented modelling for distributed systems

Abstract

Aspect-Oriented Modelling techniques allow a modeller to describe within a single aspect model all model elements that define the structural and/or behavioural properties of a concern. When applied to a base model, the model weaver ensures that the entire aspect is reflected in the woven model. While this is essential for centralized systems, it is not the case when model elements of a concern are scattered over nodes in a distributed system. We propose an extension to our Reusable Aspect Models that allows the modeller to augment an aspect model of a concern that can crosscut the nodes of a distributed system with distribution role definitions. A distributed system configuration file specifies the different node types of the distributed system, and which roles of a distributed aspect are assigned to which nodes. The weaver makes sure that every role of a distributed aspect is assigned to at least one node in the system to ensure consistent aspect use. The weaver then generates for each node a final application model that only contains the model elements pertaining to the distribution roles the node plays. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.