Model-Driven Development for Service-Oriented Architectures in Practice

Abstract

This paper introduces an approach to support the model-driven development (MDD) of complex real-world business applications that are based on service-oriented architecture. The approach consists of a metamodel, which is accompanied by modeling guidelines, a governance process that ensures that these modeling guidelines are kept, and a modeling tool to support model creation and governance process. Based on the example of SAP's Business byDesign solution, the MDD approach, its goals and benefits are introduced. Moreover, the conditions for a successful application of MDD in industry are highlighted. It shows that the key values of MDD in commercial software development projects lie beyond code generation: The clear structure of the overall solution and a common language for all participants in a huge, international development team outweigh the effort related to modeling.