A reactive architecture for cloud-based system engineering

Abstract

The paper introduces an architecture to support system engineering on the cloud. It employs the main benefits of the cloud: scalability, parallelism, cost-effectiveness, multi-user access and flexibility. The architecture includes an open toolbox which provides tools as a service to support various phases of system engineering. The architecture uses the Open Services for Life-cycle Collaboration (OSLC) technology to create a reactive middleware that informs all stakeholders about any changes in the development artefacts. It facilitates the interoperability of tools and enables the workflow of tools to support complex engineering steps. Another component of the architecture is a shared repository of artefacts. All the artefacts generated during a system engineering process are stored in the repository, and can be accessed by relevant stakeholders. The shared repository also serves as a platform to support a protocol for formal model decomposition and group work on the decomposed models. Finally, the architecture includes components for ensuring the dependability of the system engineering process.