In-Depth

The Tao of UML 2

The requirements for UML 2.0 are specified in four complementary RFPs from the OMG.

1. UML 2.0 Infrastructure RFP (OMG document ad/00-09-01; go to http://www.omg.org/techprocess/meetings/schedule/UML_2.0_Infrastructure_RFP.html to view). Issued on September 15, 2000, this RFP focuses on architectural alignment, restructuring and extension mechanisms.

2. UML 2.0 Superstructure RFP (OMG document ad/00-09-02, go to http://www.omg.org/techprocess/meetings/schedule/UML_2.0_Superstructure_RFP.html to view). Issued on September 15, 2000, this RFP focuses on the refinement and extension of the semantics and notation used in UML 1.x.

3. UML 2.0 OCL RFP (OMG document ad/00-09-03, go to http://www.omg.org/techprocess/meetings/schedule/UML_2.0_OCL_RFP.html to view). Issued on September 15, 2000, this RFP focuses on defining an Object Constraints Language (OCL) meta model.

4. UML 2.0 Diagram Interchange RFP (OMG document ad/01-02-39, go to http://www.omg.org/techprocess/meetings/schedule/UML_2.0_Diagram_Interchange_RFP.html to view). Issued on March 2, 2001, this RFP focuses on defining the meta model for diagram interchange using the XMI facility, and will resolve the main problem with XMI Ñ that it cannot transmit diagrams.

Several commercial firms and other organizations are collaborating on hammering out specifications for UML 2.0. They have come together to form the U2 Partners consortium. Members include Alcatel, Computer Associates, Enea Business Software, Ericsson, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, I-Logix, Iona, Jaczone, Kabira Technologies, Motorola, Oracle, Rational Software, Softeam, Telelogic, Unisys and WebGain.

About the Author

Richard Adhikari is a widely published high-tech writer based in Silicon Valley. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].