Generic Model-to-Model Transformations in MDA: Why and How?

The OMG’s Model Driven Architecture (MDA) [OMG01] defines an approach to IT system specification that separates the specification of system functionality from the specification of the implementation of that functionality on a specific technology platform (e.g. CORBA, J2EE, .NET). Both specifications are expressed as models: Platform Independent Models (PIMs) specify the structure and functions of a system while abstracting away technical details; Platform Specific Models (PSMs) are derived from PIMs and specify how the functionality is to be realized on a selected platform. Thinking in terms of automating system implementation, MDA makes a strong case for model-based generators that will accept a PSM and generate code artifacts from it. In case the objective is in automating the implementation of systems that share common properties, but differ in (i) a predefined set of structural and functional features as well as (ii) implementation aspects, the question of dealing with the variability within such a system product line emerges. This position paper introduces the notion of generic model-to-model transformations for supporting variability within product lines in the context of MDA.