Abstract: A method is disclosed for effecting data interchange among software tools and repositories in a distributed heterogeneous environment in a computer system having at least one repository of a first type and at least one software modeling tool of a second type. The method includes the steps of registering and storing metadata describing a meta model in the repository. Next, a set of rules and streams of data are generated based on the rules, and then documents conforming to each of the metamodels are generated by reading the set of rules. An importer is written for use in importing into the repository the streams of data; and, an exporter is written for use in exporting from the repository the streams of data.

Abstract: In a computing system having a repository program being executed by said system and a means for storing data, a method is disclosed for converting a UML model to a MOF model within the repository. This method includes the steps of selecting a package within the UML model, hereafter UML package, to be exported to the MOF model. Next, the UML package and its elements are exported to the MOF model. After this, relations are recursively set between MOF objects of the UML package that correspond to relations between UML objects in the package; and, MOF reference objects are created for navigable MOF association ends.

Abstract: A system and method in a computer system for integrating software development tools and applications into the computer system in order to build, deploy and maintain enterprise business process applications in a heterogeneous development framework. Integration of the applications and software development tools are achieved through integration of the key elements of the computer system which are business models, domain models and components. In the process of integration the origin of a first newly developed/modified/existing business model is traced to a first newly developed/modified/existing domain model and these models are linked together. Next, the constituent components of a second newly developed/modified/existing domain model are traced to a newly developed/modified/existing set of components created and linked together.

Abstract: A programmed computer system transforms a distinctive representation of a business model into a generic representation format, such as the Unified Modeling Language ("UML") object model. The system also transforms legacy business processes, including legacy applications into UML format. The UML format of the business model and legacy components are stored in a central repository. The system also allows the reverse engineering and reverse transformation of UML models into a distinctive representation of business models and application components. The transformation of business model information into a UML model is achieved by identifying the differences between these models and creating a bidirectional mapping of the differences. The system also allows for selective movement of objects and models between business process models and UML. In other words, a user may select individual objects to be moved between models.

Abstract: A programmed computer system includes a set of development tools, each having a format used to store data and code files. The output data from a developmental tool is transformed into a generic format data which is saved in a repository. The repository also contains all output data, application components, and information as to the relationship between the entities and objects stored in the repository. Each tool employed during the development process puts information into the repository and takes information out of the repository. In this way, the system integrates the tools used in different parts of the development process by passing necessary information from one tool to another. Different tools are employed through each of the development stages, legacy integration, enterprise modeling, domain modeling, writing and editing of business logic, generating skeleton code, component building and wrapping and application deployment.

Abstract: In a computer system having a user interface, a memory, a repository and a database, a repository program operating in the computer system for accessing the database, the repository program executing a method for supporting modeling, the method comprising the steps of examining a collection of types forming a model; sorting object types into data and persistent type objects; creating all data type objects and adding to a collection of all objects owned by the model; creating all persistent type objects and adding to a collection of all objects owned by the model; initializing all persistent type objects in the collection of objects.