Software engineering environment framework evaluation method: Three examples

Abstract

The role of a framework is to manage the products, processes, and interfaces of a software engineering environment (SEE) and seamlessly reinforce and expedite an organization's life cycle process. The framework selection process is complex due to the increasing number of available frameworks and the rapid advances in technology and applicable standards. In this paper, a method for evaluating available frameworks is applied to three frameworks: a government-sponsored prototype for developing large systems, the Software Life Cycle Support Environment (SLCSE); a commercial Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) product for developing Management Information Systems (MIS), Knowledge Ware's Application Development Workbench (ADW); and a commercial product for use in an Integrated Project Support Environment (IPSE), the Atherton Software BackPlane. Conclusions and recommendations regarding the usability, power, flexibility, and potential enhancements to the framework evaluation method are provided.