Abstract: A method for configuring software includes communicating a business configuration interface to a user and receiving a selection of a business configuration from the user. In addition, the method includes communicating a business topology interface to the user that includes one or more functional elements associated with the selected business configuration. The method also includes receiving a selection of a functional element, which includes one or more business functions, from the user. In addition the method includes communicating a functional element interface to the user, the functional element interface including one or more business functions associated with the selected functional element, and receiving a selection of a business function from the user, the business function having one or more associated business processes.

Abstract: A method for deploying software includes selecting one or more pre-defined business models applicable to a business entity in which the software is being deployed. The business models are associated with particular business functions. The method further includes creating an entity model using the one or more selected business models. In addition, the method includes gathering information from the entity relevant to the selected business models and inputting the information into the entity model. The method further includes specifying functional requirements of the entity using a business modeling tool and configuring the entity model using the specified functional requirements. Moreover, the method includes automatically generating one or more specification files according to the configured entity model. The specification files identify the data to be input to the software after the software is deployed.