Behavioural interoperability to support model-driven systems integration

Software system integration is a process in which the target system is synthesised from discrete components (subsystems) whilst ensuring they function together as a system and are able to deliver required functionality. System integration is particularly important in projects in which new technologies must integrate with legacy systems. In such scenarios, this process can be broadly divided in two stages: interoperability checking and composition. Model-based approaches are promising since they allow us to carry out some of this process earlier (thus identifying problems earlier in the development lifecycle when they are easier to rectify). In this paper we describe a generic modelbased platform for system integration, applicable to different modelling languages, that supports both interoperability checking (at different levels of abstraction) and composition; our presentation focuses on the platform's support for interoperability checking. The approach, which consists of a language and a simulation tool, is presented, and its use is illustrated in a simple example for interoperability checking involving architectural models enriched with behaviour.