The development of visual modeling in the software industry is characterized by two distinct eras: “Before UML” and “After UML.” Before the Unified Modeling Language (UML) standard emerged in the mid-1990s, visual modeling faced numerous challenges. Each modeling expert created their own unique notations, which led to incompatibilities and deterred potential users.
Consequently, the market for modeling tools was fragmented, small, and hindered by limited investment. Available tools primarily supported basic design sketching, lacking functionalities for consistency checks or automatic information processing. As a result, early visual diagrams served mainly as design aids or documentation, rarely integrated into the software development lifecycle.
The Impact of UML: Standardization and Growth
The introduction of UML standards transformed visual modeling, paving the way for its widespread adoption not only in software design but also in fields like systems engineering and business.
In the mid-1990s, the Object Management Group (OMG) served as a forum for thought leaders in the growing field of software modeling. With considerable experience but hindered by the lack of a universal notation, this community needed a standardized language to broaden the use of visual modeling.
With UML, visual modeling began its ascent to mainstream use. In 1995, only a small fraction of software projects utilized modeling tools; by 2008, over 70% of software development organizations worldwide had adopted UML.
Today, UML is the universal language for software development, facilitating design sharing among engineers across disciplines and borders. This collaborative power is exemplified by projects like the James Webb Space Telescope, where NASA, the Canadian and European space agencies, and various subcontractors used UML to design essential software. The cooperation illustrates UML’s capacity to unify design efforts, connecting international teams on high-stakes projects.
The Evolution of UML and the Role of Model-Driven Architecture (MDA)
Since UML’s initial release, it has continually evolved, driven by user feedback and technological advances. The original UML 1 standard, introduced in 1997, was refined through OMG’s issue-reporting system. In 2005, UML 2 was released, maintaining familiar diagram notations but introducing a more rigorous infrastructure using OMG’s Meta-Object Facility (MOF). This underlying framework allows tools to capture and interpret design elements in machine-readable form, supporting design checks and even partial code generation. UML 2 marked a shift from diagrams as simple representations to powerful, functional models integral to software production. This shift also laid the foundation for OMG’s Model Driven Architecture® (MDA®).
Integrating Models with MDA
MDA addresses two critical realities of today’s software environment: the diversity of implementation technologies and the need for ongoing maintenance. MDA enables the creation and manipulation of detailed, machine-readable models representing application structures and behaviors independently of specific technologies. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem of tools and vendors, MDA allows multiple tools to work on a single project, making it an adaptable solution for complex software environments.
For example, Deutsche Bank Bauspar employed UML and MDA to upgrade an outdated COBOL back-office mainframe by linking it to a web-based front end. This new system, developed with UML-based tools, enabled 30,000 Deutsche Bank employees in over 1,200 offices across Germany to access clients’ savings and loan accounts online. Much of the code for this system was generated directly from machine-readable UML models, resulting in a 40% reduction in costs compared to manual coding.
Widespread Adoption of Model-Driven Development
The measurable return on investment from model-driven development (MDD) has contributed to its rapid growth. According to a 2008 Forrester study, 22% of software projects were already generating some of their code from models. This adoption rate reflects an increased recognition of the value MDA and similar model-driven approaches offer in terms of cost savings, efficiency, and adaptability across diverse software projects.
OMG’s Expanding Modeling Standards Family
Although UML remains OMG’s flagship standard, it is part of a broader family of OMG modeling standards, all based on the MOF framework. While UML is platform-agnostic and suitable across domains, OMG has developed profiles (specialized UML extensions) to tailor it for specific platforms, such as real-time systems and fault-tolerant computing. The customization options allow UML to adapt to fields beyond software, such as systems engineering and business process modeling.
For example, the OMG Systems Modeling Language™ (SysML™), a UML-based language, allows for graphical modeling of complex systems involving hardware, software, processes, and personnel. SysML exemplifies UML’s flexibility, supporting systems engineers familiar with UML and integrating with existing UML tools.
Another notable OMG standard, the Semantics of Business Vocabulary and Rules (SBVR), applies model-based precision to business operations by defining business rules and terms in a comprehensible text-based format. Although SBVR does not use diagrams, its MOF foundation allows SBVR models to integrate seamlessly with UML models, facilitating consistent, model-based reasoning across business operations.
BPMN: Standardizing Business Processes
The Business Process Modeling Notation™ (BPMN™) further illustrates OMG’s influence beyond software development. BPMN represents business processes graphically, making complex workflows understandable for all business stakeholders, including analysts, developers, and managers. This standardization removes ambiguity, allowing organizations to adopt consistent, transparent, and efficient business process models.
A recent survey revealed BPMN’s adoption across industries, from government to healthcare, and its role in enhancing organizational agility.
Conclusion: OMG’s Continued Influence in Visual Modeling
Today, OMG stands at the forefront of modeling standards, from UML’s universal applications in software development to Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs) for diverse fields. OMG’s legacy of visual modeling standardization continues to drive innovation across software development, business, and government sectors. By embedding model-based practices into operations, OMG’s evolving standards facilitate efficient design, effective communication, and long-term adaptability for organizations worldwide. As visual modeling gains traction across industries, OMG is poised to expand its impact, shaping the future of business and technology alike.
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