Episode 67: Roundtable on MDSD and PLE

Standards

The role of standards in model-driven development is a contentious topic among experts. Axel Uhl from SAP critiques the Object Management Group (OMG) for its handling of standards like MOF, noting that the split into EMOF and CMOF has complicated implementation without clear benefits 1. Juha Tolvanen echoes this sentiment, pointing out that standards often lack practical applicability, as seen with XMI, which fails to ensure tool compatibility 2. He argues, "It's good to have standards, but let's first make something which works and then let's standardize."

It's good to have standards, but let's first make something which works and then let's standardize.

--- Juha Tolvanen

The panelists agree that while standards are essential, they often lag behind practical needs, leading to inefficiencies in the field.

   

Challenges

Development challenges in model-driven development are significant, with many organizations struggling to integrate these technologies effectively. Danilo Beuche notes that while awareness has increased, the lack of comprehensive standards hinders widespread adoption 3. Axel Uhl highlights the issue of tool heterogeneity, which complicates industrial-scale implementation 3. He remarks, "The true problem is the heterogeneity due to the absence of working standards."

The true problem is the heterogeneity due to the absence of working standards.

--- Axel Uhl

Despite these challenges, there is optimism about the potential of model-driven development to transform software engineering practices.