IRM: The Integrated Reference Model for Open Systems Environments

This paper reports results of a study of reference models for representing open system environments (infrastructures). One of the issues considered in this paper is how to compare particular reference models known in the literature. We propose a set of features of reference models on which to base such comparisons. We have found that in some cases, due to the ambiguity of definitions, it is difficult to assess whether a particular model has some features or not, and that none of the five analyzed models possesses all the features listed in this paper. As a result, we developed the Integrated Reference Model (IRM) which capitalizes on the concepts included in the previously developed models. We provide a description of the basic components of the IRM and suggest directions for refining the model if necessary. We analyze the IRM from the point of view of the desirable features of reference models. We also outline ways in which the IRM could be used in the processes of the design of software infrastructures and in developing software using infrastructures.