Semantically Correct Interoperability of Executable Architectures

Current data models and standards are insufficient to provide semantically and syntactically correct interoperability among executable architectures developed in different tools. They fall short due to a lack of common data elements required to express executable-architecture concepts using different implementation techniques and a lack of a means to guarantee conformance to mandatory and optional elements that guarantee predictable interoperability. Expand proposes to address these shortcomings by developing a common data model for executable architectures containing data elements designed to resolve commonality in the following areas: • How execution timing is expressed • How execution conditions (firing controls) are expressed • How functional inputs and outputs are expressed • How functional relationships between inputs and outputs are expressed In addition to the common data model for executable architecture, Expand proposes to develop a conformance matrix to define levels at which the various executable-architecture tools support the executable common data model. This conformance matrix allows for meaningful partial support for the common data model and addresses cases for which direct interoperability is not possible between executable architectures due to fundamental differences. Support to equal levels as defined by the proposed conformance matrix by disparate tools will guarantee semantic and syntactic interoperability.