A reuse-oriented approach for structuring and configuring distributed applications

In this paper, we take a reuse-oriented perspective to designing configurable distributed applications. An application domain is defined as a family of systems with some features in common and others that differentiate them. During domain modelling, reusable specifications and architectures are developed, which capture the similarities and variations of the family of systems that compose the application domain. Target systems are generated by tailoring the reusable specifications and architectures, given the requirements of the target system. In this paper, we describe how the domain modelling approach to developing reusable software may be applied to the development of configurable distributed applications. We also describe criteria for distributed subsystem structuring and for distributed subsystem configuration. An example is provided of applying this approach.