Architecture view generation method and system

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and associated system for generating an architectural view of service oriented architecture solutions.

[0002] Modifying various components of a system typically comprises an inefficient process with little flexibility. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome at least some of the deficiencies and limitations described herein above.

[0003] The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0004] retrieving, by a computing system, a service model;

[0005] retrieving, by said computing system, an SOA solution architecture model;

[0006] retrieving, by said computing system, a configuration file comprising mapping data,

wherein said mapping data comprises data associating elements of said service model to architectural layers of said SOA solution architecture model;

[0007] loading, by said computing system, said configuration file;

[0008] processing, by said computing system, each element of said elements;

[0009] identifying, by said computing system, layers of said architectural layers that correspond to associated elements of said elements of said service model, wherein said identifying is based on said mapping data, wherein said layers of said architectural layers are represented as unified modeling language (UML) packages;

[0010] associating, by said computing system, each layer of said layers with an associated UML package of said UML packages;

[0011] placing, by said computing system, each said element in an associated layer of said architectural layers;

[0012] generating, by said computing system in response to said placing, a UML model, wherein said UML model comprises each said element in an associated layer of said architectural layers;

[0013] loading, by said computing system, said UML model; and

[0014] executing, by said computing system, said UML model.

[0015] The present invention provides a computing system a processor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, said memory unit comprising instructions that when executed by the processor implements a unified modeling language (UML) model generation method, said method comprising:

[0016] retrieving, by a computing system, a service model;

[0017] retrieving, by said computing system, an SOA solution architecture model;

[0018] retrieving, by said computing system, a configuration file comprising mapping data,

wherein said mapping data comprises data associating elements of said service model to architectural layers of said SOA solution architecture model;

[0019] loading, by said computing system, said configuration file;

[0020] processing, by said computing system, each element of said elements;

[0021] identifying, by said computing system, layers of said architectural layers that correspond to associated elements of said elements of said service model, wherein said identifying is based on said mapping data, wherein said layers of said architectural layers are represented as unified modeling language (UML) packages;

[0022] associating, by said computing system, each layer of said layers with an associated UML package of said UML packages;

[0023] placing, by said computing system, each said element in an associated layer of said architectural layers;

[0024] generating, by said computing system in response to said placing, a UML model, wherein said UML model comprises each said element in an associated layer of said architectural layers;

[0025] loading, by said computing system, said UML model; and

[0026] executing, by said computing system, said UML model.

[0027] The present invention advantageously provides a simple method and associated system capable of modifying various components of a system.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 5 for generating an architectural view of a service oriented architecture (SOA) solution, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. SOA comprises enterprise scale IT architecture for providing IT agility to support business agility. An architectural view of SOA solution comprises a structural, modularity, and essential components of the SOA solution. System 5 of FIG. 1 comprises a computing apparatus 8a connected to a computing system 10 through a network 7. Network 7 may comprise any type of network including, inter alia, a local area network, (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc. Computing apparatus 8a may comprise any type of computing apparatus including, inter alia, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a computer terminal, etc. Computing apparatus 8a may comprise a single computing apparatus or a plurality of computing apparatuses. Computing apparatus 8a is used by end users for communicating with (e.g., entering data) computing system 10. Computing system 10 may comprise any type of computing system(s) including, inter alia, a personal computer (PC), a server computer, a database computer, etc. Computing system 10 is used to retrieve data from computing apparatus 8a for generating an architectural view of SOA solutions. Computing system 10 comprises a memory system 14. Memory system 14 may comprise a single memory system. Alternatively, memory system 14 may comprise a plurality of memory systems. Memory system 14 comprises a software application 18 and a database 12. Database 12 comprises all retrieved data (i.e., retrieved from computing apparatus 8a) and any generated data (e.g., service models, configuration files, SOA solution architecture models, etc).

[0042] Software application 18 performs the following functions associated with an automated process for constructing the architectural view of SOA solutions from a service model:

[0043] 1. Software application 18 generates a unified modeling language (UML) model template. UML is a standardized general-purpose modeling language in the field of software engineering. UML includes a set of graphical notation techniques to create abstract models of specific systems (i.e., referred to as a UML model). The UML model template (i.e., as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 as described, infra) is used to represent SOA solution architecture (i.e., a nine layered architectural view of SOA solutions used as an input for operational modeling and deployment units) in UML based SOA modeling tools. Operational modeling defines a distribution of an IT system's components onto geographically distributed nodes. Additionally, operational modeling defines connections necessary to support required component interactions in order to achieve the IT system's functional and non-functional requirements within the constraints of technology, skills, and budget. The UML model template comprises UML packages corresponding to layers of SOA solution architecture. The layers (i.e., horizontal layers) are represented as five UML packages (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6). The remaining four cross-cutting layers are represented as sub-packages inside the UML packages corresponding to horizontal layers (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 7).
2. Software application 18 performs a mapping process between SOA model elements and a UML package corresponding to a layer of SOA solution architecture (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 9). The mapping process is externalized in a configuration file for ease of modifications and enhancements.
3. Software application 18 executes an algorithm to construct architectural view of SOA solution from a service model (as illustrated in FIG. 10). The algorithm may be implemented in manual or automated manner. The algorithm is illustrated as a flow chart in FIG. 12.
4. Software application 18 implements the algorithm of FIG. 11 as a model-to-model transformation in a UML based SOA modeling tool. A model to model transformation comprises a process for converting a first model to a second model in a same system.

[0044] The following steps illustrate an implementation example for generating an architectural view of an SOA solution:

1. An SOA Architect has completed a service modeling process (as illustrated in FIG. 10, supra) in a UML based SOA modeling tool using a service model template.

2. The SOA Architect configures and invokes the service model to an SOA Solution architecture model transformation.

3. During a first time invocation, a SOA solution architecture model (as illustrated in FIG. 7, supra) is generated programmatically.

4. A configuration file (i.e., comprising mapping data for mapping between SOA model elements and architectural layers (as illustrated in FIG. 9, supra)) is loaded and mapping details are initialized.

5. A service model (as illustrated in FIG. 10, supra) comprises the following example SOA model elements.

• • [0045] A. A business goal—“Reduce Cost”.
  • [0046] B. A KPI—“by 10% in FY2008”.
  • [0047] C. A domain—“Business Administration”.
  • [0048] D. A functional area—“Account Administration”.
  • [0049] E. A fraction (i.e., business capability)—“Account Management”.
  • [0050] F. A process—“Manage Accounts”.
  • [0051] G. Three sub—processes—“Open Account”, “Reinstate Account”, and “Verify Account”.
  • [0052] H. Two business entities—“Account” and “Customer”.
  • [0053] I. A rule type—“Accounting Rules”.
  • [0054] J. Business rules—“Transfer Limit”.
  • [0055] K. Two existing assets—“Banling App” and “CICS”.
  • [0056] L. A service hierarchy (Service Group)—“Account Administration”.
  • [0057] M. Three candidate services—“Open Account”, “Reinstate Account”, and “Verify Account”.
  • [0058] N. Two exposed services—“Open Account” and “Verify Account”.
  • [0059] O. A subsystem—“Account Administration”.
  • [0060] P. A service component—“Account Administration”.
  • [0061] Q. A functional component—“Account Management”.
  • [0062] R. A technical component—“Legacy System Connector”.
    6. For each of the above listed example SOA model elements, a corresponding layer in the SOA solution architecture is identified from the mapping data (as illustrated in FIG. 9, supra). The corresponding layers are associated as follows:
  • [0063] A. A business goal—“Reduce Cost”: Layer 9 intersection with Layer 4.
  • [0064] B. A KPI—“By 10% in FY2008”: Layer 8 intersection with Layer 3.
  • [0065] C. A domain—“Business Administration”: Layer 4.
  • [0066] D. A functional area—“Account Administration”: Layer 4.
  • [0067] E. A function (i.e., business capability)—“Account Management”: Layer 4.
  • [0068] F. A process—“Manage Accounts”: Layer 4.
  • [0069] G. Three sub-processes—“Open Account”, “Reinstate Account”, and “Verify Account”: Layer 4.
  • [0070] H. Two business entities—“Account” and “Customer”: Layer 8 intersection with Layer 3.
  • [0071] I. A rule type—“Accounting Rules”: Ignored.
  • [0072] J. Business rules—“Transfer Limit”: Layer 9 intersection with Layer 4.
  • [0073] K. Two existing assets—“Banking App” and “CICS”: Layer 1.
  • [0074] L. A service hierarchy (service group)—“Account Administration”: Ignored.
  • [0075] M. Three candidate services—“Open Account”, “Reinstate Account”, and “Verify Account” Ignored.
  • [0076] N. Two exposed services—“Open Account” and “Verify Account”: Layer 3.
  • [0077] O. A subsystem—“Account Administration”: Ignored.
  • [0078] P. A service component—“Account Administration”: Layer 2.
  • [0079] Q. A functional component—“Account Management”: Layer 2.
  • [0080] R. A technical component—“Legacy System Connector”: Layer 2.
    7. Each SOA model element is generated in a corresponding layer as identified.
    8. A modified SOA Solution Architecture Model (UML Model) is loaded to the tool.
    9. The SOA architect leverages the generated SOA solution architecture model for operational modeling, deployment units, and other downstream activities.

[0081] FIG. 2 illustrates a service model 200, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Service model 200 in FIG. 2 comprises a graphical representation of a service model. An outcome of SOA activities are grouped under three major categories:

1. Identification 202a.

2. Specification 202b.

3. Realization 202c.

[0082] The three categories correspond to three phases of service oriented modeling and architecture (SOMA) methodology. SOMA is an end to end SOA development method aimed at enabling target business processes through the identification, specification, realization, implementation, and deployment of business-aligned services that form a service oriented architecture (SOA) foundation.

[0083] FIG. 3 illustrates a UML representation 300 of service model 200 of FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. A UML model with a service model stereotype is an outer most container. UML model 200 comprises UML packages corresponding to the three phases of SOMA methodology:

1. Identification 202a.

2. Specification 202b.

3. Realization 202c.

[0084] Work product specifications package 304 is used to annotate a dynamic content of various work products that may be generated. SOMA model elements package comprises various SOA model elements that may be used in this service model.

[0085] FIG. 4 illustrates a UML representation 400 of service model 200 of FIG. 2 comprising sub-packages 404a and 404b, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Sub-package 404a has been expanded from UML package identification 202a. Sub-package 404b has been expanded from UML package specification 202b.

[0086] FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical representation 500 of SOA solution architecture 501, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Graphical representation 500 of SOA solution architecture 501 comprises 5 horizontal layers:

1. Consumers Layer 502a.

2. Business Process Layer 502b

3. Services Layer 502c.

4. Service components Layer 502d.

5. Operational System Layer 502e.

[0087] Graphical representation 500 of SOA solution architecture 501 comprises 4 cross-cutting layers:

1. Governance Layer 504a.

2. Data architecture Layer 504b

3. QoS layer Layer 504c.

4. Integration Layer 504d.

[0088] SOA model elements may be placed on associated layers.

[0089] FIG. 6 illustrates a UML representation 600 of SOA solution architecture 501 of FIG. 5, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. UML package 602a represents an operational system layer (e.g., existing application assets 502e layer of FIG. 5). UML package 602b represents service components 502d layer of FIG. 5. UML package 602c represents service 502c layer of FIG. 5. UML package 602d represents business process 502b layer of FIG. 5. UML package 602e represents consumer 502a layer of FIG. 5.

[0090] FIG. 7 illustrates an expanded version of UML packages 602a . . . 602e of FIG. 6, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Sub-package 702a has been expanded from UML package 602a. Sub-package 702b has been expanded from UML package 602b. Sub-package 702c has been expanded from UML package 602c. Sub-package 702d has been expanded from UML package 602d. Sub-package 702e has been expanded from UML package 602e.

[0091] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm describing a flow of activities in an SOA project, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 801, an SOA architect starts with a service modeling process. In step 804, the SOA architect generates an architectural view of an SOA solution. In step 808, the SOA architect uses the architectural view from step 804 for an operational modeling process.

[0092] FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration file 900, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Configuration file 900 comprises mapping data for mapping SOA model elements 904 to SOA solution architectural layers 902.

[0093] FIG. 10 which includes FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates an example of a service model 1002 derived from UML representation 300 of a service model in FIG. 3, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Service model 1002 comprises SOA service elements or UML packages 202a . . . 202c. Service model 1002 is used as a source model for the model to model transformation.

[0094] FIG. 11 which includes FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrates an example of an SOA solution architecture model 1100 with generated SOA model elements, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. SOA solution architecture model 1100 is a target model of the model to model transformation.

[0095] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by system 5 of FIG. 1 for generating an architectural view of SOA solution, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 1202, a computing system (e.g., computing system 5 of FIG. 1) retrieves a service model. In step 1204, the computing system searches for an (existing) SOA solution architecture model. In step 1206, it is determined if an SOA solution architecture model has been located. If in step 1206, it is determined that an SOA solution architecture model has been located then in step 1210, the SOA solution architecture model is retrieved. If in step 1206, it is determined that an SOA solution architecture model has not been located then in step 1208, an SOA solution architecture model is generated (i.e., using an SOA solution architecture model template. In step 1218, a configuration file (e.g., an XML file) is retrieved and loaded (e.g., a mapping process is initiated). The configuration file comprises mapping data. The mapping data comprises data associating elements of the service model to architectural layers of the SOA solution. In step 1220, the elements of the service model are processed. Processing may include retrieving every element for an identification process as described with reference to step 1224, infra. In step 1224, the computing system identifies layers of the architectural layers that correspond to associated elements of the elements from the service model. The identification process performed in step 1224 is based on the mapping data. The layers of the architectural layers are represented as unified modeling language (UML) packages. In step 1228, the computing system associates each layer with an associated UML package of the UML packages. In step 1234, the computing system places each element in an associated layer of the architectural layers. In step 1240, the computing system loads the UML model.

[0096] FIG. 13 illustrates a computer apparatus 90 (e.g., computing system 10 of FIG. 1) used for generating an architectural view of an SOA solution, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 90 comprises a processor 91, an input device 92 coupled to the processor 91, an output device 93 coupled to the processor 91, and memory devices 94 and 95 each coupled to the processor 91. The input device 92 may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a software application, a mouse, etc. The output device 93 may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, a software application, etc. The memory devices 94 and 95 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer code 97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithm of FIG. 12) for generating an architectural view of an SOA solution. The processor 91 executes the computer code 97. The memory device 94 includes input data 96. The input data 96 includes input required by the computer code 97. The output device 93 displays output from the computer code 97. Either or both memory devices 94 and 95 (or one or more additional memory devices not shown in FIG. 13) may comprise the algorithm of FIG. 12 and may be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or a program storage device) having a computer readable program code embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program code comprises the computer code 97. Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the computer system 90 may comprise said computer usable medium (or said program storage device).

[0097] Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could be created, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced, etc. by a service provider who offers to generate an architectural view of SOA solution. Thus the present invention discloses a process for deploying, creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/or integrating computing infrastructure, comprising integrating computer-readable code into the computer system 90, wherein the code in combination with the computer system 90 is capable of performing a method for generating an architectural view of an SOA solution. In another embodiment, the invention provides a business method that performs the process steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer to generate an architectural view of an SOA solution. In this case, the service provider can create, maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for one or more customers. In return, the service provider can receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.

[0098] While FIG. 13 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configuration of hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilized for the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particular computer system 90 of FIG. 13. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95 may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memory devices.

[0099] While embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.