Requirements Modelling and Specification for Service Oriented Architecture

Preface

Service oriented architecture (SOA) is becoming the modern way of conceptualizing software engineering best practice. This book covers the early stages of SOA projects and shows how to specify services based on a sound understanding of existing and projected business processes, which can be achieved by good modelling practices, leading to models of business requirements as well as processes and then to well-constructed specifications.

While many companies have invested significantly in SOA and there have been some success stories, there is evidence that these early adopters may not be getting all the benefits that might have been expected. I feel that the need is to return to the basic wisdoms of software engineering, and the approach taken herein emphasizes this, putting a strong emphasis on best practice and business alignment. As new standards for business process modelling such as BPMN and BPEL emerge and evolve, there is also a need for a practical and critical assessment of them. It is particularly apposite to situate this study in the context of organizations moving towards SOA as a strategic direction.

Thus the book covers techniques and notations for requirements modelling, business process modelling and specification: UML, use cases, activity diagrams, Catalysis Conversation Analysis, Mission Grids, BPMN and BPEL. The focus throughout is on SOA. There is also a discussion of applicable standards and technology. A forthcoming companion volume (Graham, 2009) will ...