UML Weekend Crash Course™ - To Parent Directory

Session 30—UML Modeling Tools 313
about using your Class diagrams to create data models, perhaps in an entirely different tool.
XMI is one facility that will support the sharing of models created in one product with many
other products. XMI not only supports sharing of Class diagrams, but sharing of all the UML
diagrams.
XMI uses standard XML to describe the diagrams. OMG specifies XMI via a UML.DTD,
which is updated for every revision of the UML specs. Some modeling tools import/export
XML to their own DTD. Because correct XMI support means the tool is supporting the UML
metamodel correctly, correct XMI import/export becomes a ‘kosher stamp’ on whether the
tool is supporting UML well or not.
The fact that XMI uses standard XML means that you can export your diagrams to a
variety of tools that can exploit the information for other purposes like reporting, software
metrics, and project management.
Team development
Many projects require a number of people to contribute to the modeling effort. This implies
that they need to share the same diagrams, each working on different aspects but everyone
sharing each other’s products. Vendors have come up with a variety of techniques to support
such team development. Some require a check-out/check-in method where one person
has exclusive access to the checked out portion of the model. Others provide diagram or
even element-level locking so that many people may have the same diagram or element
open, but only one person may modify the diagram or element until they release it.
Evaluating UML Modeling Tools
Since the release of the UML standard, the modeling tool market has exploded. The best single
source I’ve found for a list of the current tools is a Web site at www.cetus-links.org.
The Cetus Team is a group of private individuals who support the content of the site. The
site has over 18,000 links to everything you ever wanted to know about object-oriented
anything.
On the first page, you’ll find a section on Architecture and Design. Under that heading,
you’ll see OOAD Tools, which stands for Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Tools (what I
have been calling modeling tools). The list provides everything from university and freeware
projects like ArgoUML to high-end products like System Architect, Together Control Center,
and Rational Rose. Be wary of the free stuff. Most of it is work in progress. But some of the
less expensive products like Poseidon or MagicDraw might be everything you need.
Unfortunately, I’ve never found a single source that contains reviews of all the currently
available products. So you’re on your own. I suggest the following plan of attack:
1. Identify your financial limits. These tools cover a range from $100 to $7,000 fully
configured. Remember to look into site and concurrent user types of licenses. Be
realistic about the number of people you expect to use the tool.
2. Identify the features that are most valuable to you. Look over the list in this session
and determine what you can’t live without, what would expedite the project,
and what you can live without.