Application Runtime Framework for Model-Driven Development

Model-driven development aims to overcome the complexity of software construction by allowing developers to work at the high-level models of software systems instead of low-level codes. Most studies have focused on model abstraction, deployment of modeling languages, and automated supports for transforming the models to implemented codes. However, current model-driven engineering (MDE) has little or no support for system evolution (e.g., platform, meta-model). This paper takes the vision of MDE to further transform models to running systems. We present a framework for developing an MDE runtime environment that supports the model-driven development of enterprise applications to automatically deploy the models and produce the running applications. Furthermore, the framework supports platform evolution by providing an infrastructure that is robust to changing requirements from new target platforms. The framework architecture, its underlying infrastructure and mechanisms are described and illustrated on a running enterprise application system for semi-automated price quotation approval service.