Tailoring IEEE 1471 for MDE Support

Abstract

THALES is a supplier of complex systems in the Defence and Aerospace domains. A number of THALES Units are currently involved in transitioning parts of their systems and software engineering processes from document-driven to model-driven engineering (MDE). MDE puts models on the critical path of system and software development, turning the role of model from contemplative to productive. Putting MDE into practice in operational contexts intrinsically puts heavy demands on the tooled-up process.

A first challenge is to support MDE tooled-up process definition, implementation, assembly, and deployment all the while addressing industrial concerns for adaptability, maintainability and scalability. A second challenge is to be able to introduce MDE innovations in existing development processes at mastered cost, all the while managing the legacy.

The MIRROR Pilot Program was launched three years ago in THALES to address these challenges. The concept of MDE methodological component was identified as a building block for supporting the definition and building of MDE tooled-up processes. An implementation approach for this concept is developed here within the context of a THALES industrial case, based on an extension of the IEEE Recommended practice for architectural description of software-intensive systems, IEEE Std 1471-2000.