Also featured in Version 4.1 is improved UML modeling through the incorporation of MagicDraw UML from No Magic . Development teams can visualize designs as UML 2.0 diagrams in a few steps; class and use cases can be imported to OptimalJ domain models for application architecture and code generation.

OptimalJ 4.1 also improves traceability by introducing the Use Case model to the Domain Model workspace to provide easier synchronization between requirements, design models and code. This enables traceability throughout the application lifecycle and allows developers to evaluate the impact of application changes, Compuware said.

Compuware is seeking to get involved in the proposed Eclipse Modeling Top Level Project, which purports to extend OMG Model Driven Architecture to Eclipse. IBM and Borland Software are leading this project.

OptimalJ 4.1 ships this week, with the Professional Edition priced at US$18,000 per seat.