wwHww: an application framework of distributed systems for enduser-initiative development

Abstract

The number of endusers using the Internet increases on the inside and outside of offices. Enduser-initiative development of applications has become important for automation of their own tasks. As the solution by software reuse technology, the paper describes a Java based application framework of distributed systems such as the MOON (multi organizational office network) systems for window work in banks, city offices mail order companies, etc. based on the philosophy: "all routine work both at office and at home should be carried out by computers." The application framework includes a common protocol for application forms and is composed of subframeworks corresponding to the three kinds of parts of client terminals, server-at-windows and the MOON servers. With respect to the problem of how to customize the application framework in the way of enduser-initiative development, two types of customization are given, namely, plug-in components and property definitions. Then domain experts can computerize their routine work by themselves. Our feasibility study confirms that the frozen spots and the hot spots in the framework work account for 90% and 10% of the total Java source programs respectively. Furthermore, use of the application framework including a common communication protocol between clients and servers, brings high interoperability among distributed application systems.