Title: Tailoring information systems: an approach based on services and service composition

Authors: Anya Sotiropoulou, Dimitrios Theotokis

Addresses: Department of Computer Science and Technology, School of Science and Technology, University of Peloponnese, Terma Karaiskaki, GR 22 100, Tripolis, Greece. ' Department of Computer Science and Technology, School of Science and Technology, University of Peloponnese, Terma Karaiskaki, GR 22 100, Tripolis, Greece

Abstract: In recent years, information systems tailorability has been in the centre of research as the need for constructing information systems capable of adapting to change has increased resulting from the explosion of information system complexity. Although a number of approaches and paradigms have been proposed over the years for this purpose, they have not adequately addressed all perspectives associated with tailorability, both from a quantitative, as well as a qualitative viewpoint. In this article, we demonstrate the shortcomings of these approaches and advocate that service-oriented development through the composition of services presents a promising solution to tailorability. For this purpose, we present a particular approach to service-oriented development using soft systems methodology for modelling such systems and service description diagrams for representing root definitions in the design phase of service development. We further proceed in showing why this approach naturally accommodates the requirements behind tailorability.

Keywords: tailoring information systems; tailorability; object orientation; aspect-oriented programming; components; role-oriented programming; service-oriented programming; service composition; service description diagrams; soft computing; soft systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJITM.2005.007069

International Journal of Information Technology and Management, 2005 Vol.4 No.4, pp.366 - 391

Published online: 20 May 2005 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article