Models. Models. Models. So What?

Stephen Mellor, Adjunct Professor (SoCS, ANU)

DATE: 2009-10-21
TIME: 16:00:00 - 17:00:00
LOCATION: Ian Ross Seminar Room

ABSTRACT:
In 1985, in an interview for some then-popular magazine, I was asked when models and model-driven development would become commonplace. "In three years time," I replied confidently. In 1987, I was asked the same question, and my answer remained the same. And 1989. And '91. Were you to ask me the same question today, I would answer it in the same way. Perhaps I should have gone surfing instead. While my answer has the virtue of consistency, how could I--how could we?--have been so wrong? Of course, we didn't have the technology back then. And we didn't have the computer power that could allow us to ignore certain inefficiencies introduced by abstraction. But have things really changed that much in nearly a quarter of a century? Our tools and computers are certainly better, but it is clear that we have failed to convert the great unwashed to the benefits and wonders of models and model-driven engineering. This keynote will take a personal view of why we have (let's be positive, shall we?) yet to succeed. It will explore several technical, business and marketing issues that have impeded our progress. And because a keynote is intended to be positive, leaving delegates upbeat and energized, we shall also examine some encouraging indicators that could lead to model-driven engineering soon becoming commonplace. In, oh, let's say, three years?

BIO:
Stephen J Mellor is an independent teacher and consultant focussed on methods for the construction of real-time and embedded systems. He is the author of Structured Development for Real-Time Systems (way back in 1985), Object Lifecycles, Executable UML, and MDA Distilled. He is also (perhaps surprisingly) a signatory to the Agile Manifesto. Until recently, he was Chief Scientist of the Embedded Software Division at Mentor Graphics, and founder and some-time president of Project Technology, Inc., before its acquisition. He participates in multiple UML/modeling related activities at the Object Management Group, and was a member of the OMG's Architecture Board, which is the final technical gateway for all OMG standards. Mr Mellor was the Chairman of the Advisory Board to IEEE Software for ten years and a two-time Guest Editor of the magazine, most recently for an issue on Model-Driven Development. He is also adjunct professor at the Australian National University in Canberra, ACT, Australia.

	Skip Navigation CECS Home \| ANU Home \| Search ANU \| HORUS \| Staff Home
	Seminars @ CECS ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science