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With respect to mapping definitions—for example, the myriad mappings
from UML2 Profiles to Information Management Metamodel (IMM) (among
others)—should QVT be provided as part of these specifications?
Specification Compliance
A generally provided set of conformance criteria must be met when implement-
ing a specification. With improved collaboration between implementation and
specification organizations, some level of minimum compliance level can be
expected, to provide a proper reference implementation. In some cases today,
implementations at Eclipse are well aligned, or nearly aligned, with OMG spec-
ifications. For example, the Eclipse UML2 project provides a compliant imple-
mentation of the UML 2.1 metamodel using the nearly EMOF-compliant Eclipse
EMF project.
Should implementations be required to provide the highest level of compli-
ance to defined specification acceptance criteria? Or is a “best effort” approach
adequate? What actions can or should be taken to provide specification align-
ment or conformance?
Implementations Influencing Specifications
As indicated previously, in some cases, existing implementations are close to a
specification yet are not fully compliant. With a large existing client base on a
high-quality, open source implementation, why not align a specification with the
implementation? For example, consider the previously mentioned case of EMF's
Ecore model being not quite aligned with the EMOF specification.
A precedent exists for this type of influence between an open source imple-
mentation and OMG specification in the UML. The DI and Diagram Definition
RFP are two more areas where this type of cooperation can be mutually benefi-
cial.
Most often, specifications are themselves driven from implementations,
although typically from a commercial vendor. Wouldn't an open source approach
to implementations influencing specifications be a more equitable solution? This
leads us directly to the next topic.
Open and Transparent Nature
In the case of Eclipse, contributions are done in the open, with an emphasis on
meritocracy as the basis for achieving more responsibility within the community.
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