Development of a workbench for knowledge-based systems using the ECMA reference model for CASE frameworks

Abstract

The European Computer Manufacturers Association reference model for computer assisted software engineering environments frameworks (ECMA RM) provides a description of the services which should be provided by a software engineering environments (SEEs) as well as of the relations between these services. Over the past year, the ECMA RM has become a de facto European standard reference in the field of SEEs. This paper constitutes one of the first hands-on experience-reports on the use of the ECMA RM in the design of SEEs. The ECMA RM's salient features are discussed and evaluated on the pragmatic basis of their useability in the development of a software engineering workbench to support KBS development. Concrete proposals are then made for enhancing the useability of the RM.<>