IST: A new approach for better telecoms systems

Brussels, 15 Oct 2002

An EU funded project is creating the foundations for improved telecoms systems through the design and application of a new software development technique.

The MODA-TEL project aims to use Model Driven Architecture (MDA), a technology developed by Object Management Group Inc., to develop designs for telecommunications software that are more effective, reliable and affordable.

The project is coordinated by Eurescom, and involves seven other research and industry partners from across Europe. MODA-TEL is funded under the Commission's Information Society Technologies (IST) section of the Fifth Framework Programme.

MDA techniques focus on separating the business logic and user requirements of an application - that is, the coding that determines its functionality - from the particular infrastructure in which it is to be deployed.

Essentially, software developers will have a standard blueprint for a design, even if the companies' particular systems are based on a number of different technologies.

This system of development has a number of advantages over traditional methods. Once the MDA processes have been defined, parts of the development process can be automated, and successful implementations can be reused for different applications and platforms more reliably, at a cheaper cost and in less time.

The MODA-TEL project team aims not only to apply the MDA methodology to highly complex telecoms software, but also to produce general guidelines for using the process on any type of service or system.

As more companies adopt MDA development methods, it is hoped that a standards-based, technology indifferent design standard will become a reality, which would deliver cost and efficiency benefits to everyone.

For now though, each new MDA project, like MODA-TEL, is helping to set the standard. Oddvar Risnes, one of the team members says 'We have high expectations for the MDA approach in telecommunications, and we hope that this may reduce implementation costs considerably.'

For further information, please consult http://www.eurescom.de/modatel

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