How Viewpoints relate to Model Transformations, Configurations and Conformance

Abstract

The ODP Reference Model defines the way a system specification is structured into a number of inter-related viewpoints, but it does not constrain the specification process. However, applying ODP in a model-driven context requires some commitment to a series oftransformation activities, and, in these, the viewpoints are used in different ways. In particular, the technology viewpoint can enter into transformations in a number of different ways, depending on the style and target ofthe system specification. This paper considers a number of different scenarios, comparing the transformations needed and the resulting assertions about conformance; as a result, it identifies a number ofdesign choices, relating to different fields ofapplication, and shows that these can usefully be made explicit in describing the available system design options.