Modeling of Information Systems as Systems of Systems through DSM

Abstract

Information systems may be composed of dozens of software applications managed by different teams knowing only part of thewhole system. During the evolution, the structure of informationsystems tends to become more and more complex. This opens theproblem of understanding and managing the Information System level architecture where a software component is a whole software application.We present the preliminary results of a project aiming at modelinginformation systems as Systems of Systems via Design StructureMatrices (DSM).The information system is modeled as a matrix describing components (software applications) and connectors (relations between applications). The model, implemented with the Cambridge Advanced Modeler tool, allows us loading the matrix and visualize it as a graph of nodes and oriented arcs. Different classes of users may be interested in different views of the model. A view originates specific attributes of components and connectors. The tool allows us querying the model highlighting nodes and arcs of interest for a specific view.The case studies – composed of about a hundred software applications – consist of the information systems of a retail company and of an hospital.