MICOBS: multi-platform multi-model component based software development framework

Abstract

This paper presents a framework designed to work with a multi platform approach over two levels of definition of an embedded system built from software components. In the upper level, the framework focuses on the composition of components and the analysis of extra-functional properties following the principles of compositionality and composability. In the lower level, the framework provides a packaging model aimed to automate the tasks of configuration and construction of an executable out of the software bundles that constitute the components' implementation. For both levels, the framework introduces the concept of platform as a new dimension on the specification that will affect every transformation carried out between the models integrated in the framework. This dimension copes with the fact that a component has a large amount of extra-functional properties that are inherently dependent on the platform on which the component is finally deployed. The framework also provides a multi-model support. Firstly, it allows building systems from already implemented components conforming to existing component models (CCM, SOFA, FRACTAL, etc.). Secondly, it enables the definition of new abstract component models that, though lacking a native implementation, can be used to develop specific applications using model-driven engineering processes. Finally, the framework allows the integration, in a single system, of heterogeneous components conforming to different component models. An example of this integration, with components coming from MyCCM-HI and EDROOM models, is presented as a use case.