Introducing a Uml Profile for Distributed System Configuration

Abstract

Distributed system configuration consists of distributed application component placement and underlying network design, thus is a complex process dealing with interrelated issues. A four-stage methodology has been proposed in order to effectively explore configuration problems. A common metamodel for distributed system representation in all configuration stages is thus required, so that unclear dependencies between discrete stages can be easily identified. This model should also be easily adopted by autonomous software tools used for the automation of discrete configuration stages and for the efficient development of system specifications by designers. We propose such a metamodel using UML 2.0. More specifically, we introduce a UML 2.0 profile facilitating distributed system configuration process. In this profile, different UML 2.0 diagrams are integrated and properly extended, in order to model all aspects of the distributed system configuration process. Stereotypes proved to provide an efficient extension mechanism as no metamodel extensions were needed. This profile can also be used within the Rational Modeler platform.