Model Driven Architecture: Applying MDA to Enterprise Computing [Paperback]

David S. Frankel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471319201 | ISBN-13: 978-0471319207 | Publication Date: January 17, 2003 | Edition: 1

• Model Driven Architecture (MDA) is a new methodologyf rom OMG that uses modeling languages like UML along with programming languages like Java to build software architectures
• PriceWatersCoopers' prestigious Technology Center just predicted that MDA will be one of the most important methodologies in the next two years
• Written by the lead architect of the specification who provides inside information on how MDA has worked in the real world
• Describes MDA in detail and demonstrates how it can work with existing methodologies and technologies such as UML,MOF, CWM, and Web services

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Understand how to tap the potential of MDA for your enterprise systems

In this groundbreaking book, David Frankel presents an inside look at Model Driven Architecture (MDA), a rapid software development and integration approach advanced by the OMG that promotes graceful retargeting of software to different platforms. MDA uses UML-based technologies to bring a number of important trends in enterprise computing together in new ways. These trends include component- based development, design patterns, middleware, declarative specification, abstraction, multi-tiered systems, Enterprise Application Integration, and Design by Contract. MDA uses modeling languages as programming languages rather than merely as design languages.

David Frankel, one of the leading contributors to MDA in the OMG, provides you with in-depth descriptions of all its features. He explains the relationship between UML and MDA and covers related MDA technologies including MOF, XMI, and CWM. He delves into the mechanics involved in customizing UML via profiles and metamodel extensions. You'll find many concrete examples that clearly demonstrate how your company can use MDA and that highlight MDA's longer term potential.

Offering comprehensive coverage of MDA, this book includes discussions on:
* How to build and integrate software in the face of continual platform change
* How to use MDA to develop Web services
* How to use MDA to manage metadata
* How to customize a UML-based environment to fit your company's requirements
* How MDA promotes discipline and rigor in software development

About the Author

DAVID S. FRANKEL is Chief Scientist for QuarterSoft, Inc., and previously held senior positions at IONA Tech-nologies and Genesis Development Corporation. He is a renowned expert in the architecture and development of complex, large-scale distributed computing systems. Frankel has served several terms on the OMG Architecture Board.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (January 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471319201
• ISBN-13: 978-0471319207
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,113,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This is not a book for technologists......., June 26, 2003

By 

An avid reader (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Model Driven Architecture: Applying MDA to Enterprise Computing (Paperback)

I read this book after reading MDA Explained by Anneke Kleppe and found it wandering into many areas but not deep enough in any one of them. While this book is a decent attempt to bring forth the impact of MDA in enterprise computing, a reader looking to understand "what" MDA is and "how it" works would be thoroughly disappointed. MDA Explained is a far more useful (and thinner) book that is not only more readable but also lucid in explanation.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A clear, pragmatic guide to applying MDA, July 22, 2003

By 

Edwin Seidewitz (Vienna, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Model Driven Architecture: Applying MDA to Enterprise Computing (Paperback)

I have had the pleasure of working with David Frankel for a number of years on Object Management Group efforts, so I expected a lot from this book. I wasn't disappointed.

Dave has written a clear, pragmatic guide to what MDA is and, more importantly, what really can (and cannot) be practically accomplished with MDA today. He unerringly focuses on the highest payoff areas for most projects, such as the generation of code from data models. He also brings his years of experience in developing enterprise systems to bear, clearly describing the specific issues involved in applying MDA in this difficult area.

The book gives a thorough presentation of the concepts behind MDA -- including the clearest discussion I have seen anywhere of OMG's Meta Object Facility, a perennial topic of confusion. Nevertheless, I don't really consider this a book on "MDA" as such. It is, indeed, a book on APPLYING MDA, as the title states.

If you are looking for a more theoretical presentation or a grand vision of how MDA will work someday, you may be disappointed. But if you are looking for techniques you can start applying the week after you finish the book, this is the book you want to be finishing.

I am currently Chief Architect at a company that is in the process of making the cultural and technical shift to model-driven development. I found this book so relevant to where we are and the next steps we need to take toward MDA, that I had the company buy copies for all our architects, plus a few extras to circulate among the developers. I even had my boss (the company president) read Part One, which provided just the right level of overview for him (plus Michael Guttman's forward, which is a fun read in itself).

If you are in a similar situation where you work, I couldn't suggest a better book as a helpful change agent. And if you simply want to know how to start applying MDA techniques for enterprise development, this is where to find out.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Introduction to MDA, February 10, 2003

By 

Paul Harmon - See all my reviews

This review is from: Model Driven Architecture: Applying MDA to Enterprise Computing (Paperback)

Dave Frankel is the perfect person to write a book on MDA. First, he's been on the Architecture Board of the OMG for as long as I can remember. He has been involved in the development of MDA from the beginning, and is intimately aware of all the details of this complex undertaking. And, he's a writer with a very precise and clear style. I can remember, several years ago, being asked to edit a paper Dave had written. He'd written a 24 page paper on CORBA, J2EE and .NET. I was asked to create a 15 page version of the paper. After several days I gave up. The only solution was a completely new paper. The paper Dave had written was so well put together, so clear, and preceded by such logical steps, that the removal of any paragraph, let along two pages, would simply ruin a really great piece of instruction.

Dave has another virtue that he brings to this book: He is scrupulously honest. At each step, he explains just what currently exists, what will need to be created, and what one can do in the meantime. This book not only explains MDA, but it lets managers know exactly what will really be involved in actually implementing MDA in their organizations.

This is a book for corporate managers and architects who are thinking about MDA and need to really understand how it works. Such a reader would have a basic knowledge of UML, and the ability to read pseudo code. The book develops a currency options trading example to illustrate some of the concepts. This book will be the bible for everyone who is trying to learn or use MDA in the course of the next few years. I can't imagine that anyone could write anything clearer about this very complex and powerful new approach to software development. Every software architect needs to read this book.