Enterprise-scale CBD: building complex computer systems from components

Greater reuse and improved adaptability in the evolution of applications is a high priority for every organization developing or using software. It has resulted in new approaches to software development based on components-reusable software packages offering services through well-defined interfaces. However, while often practiced in small-scale systems, significant challenges exist to bring component concepts to enterprise-scale application development. This paper considers the interest in component-based development (CBD) and examines the role that CBD tool support will play in bringing CBD to the enterprise. The paper identifies some of the major challenges facing CBD and identifies ways to overcome these challenges based on maintaining a clear separation of component specification from component implementation. The paper then analyses the required CBD methods and tools necessary to ensure the practical realization of these concepts. The ideas are illustrated with reference to the tools now being developed and marketed by Sterling Software Inc.'s Application Development Division.