The new IBM Rational Systems Developer, which IBM described as a peer to its Rational Application Developer, transforms Unified Modeling Language (UML) 2.0 graphical representation of code into C++, Java or Common Object Request Broker Architecture, according to IBM executives. The Eclipse-based tool is designed for users working under industry-specific regulations and enables them to trace those regulatory requirements from design to implementation, said Roger Oberg, IBM Rational vice president of marketing.
For example, in the defense industry, the tool can help engineers comply with mandatory military systems requirements -- the U.S. Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DODAF) -- by providing standardized views and reports on the system architecture.
"It can help comply with any of the systems-related requirements that come from outside an organization," Oberg said. "It associates the design ... to the requirements themselves. When you're audited for compliance on any subject, if you can demonstrate the models associated with the implementation ... you're in a good position to defend your compliance."
In addition, companies can use the tool to create models to plan how to build a service-oriented architecture in components, he added.
"It can visualize architecture, allow you to figure out at what level of granularity you want your architecture to be modularized," Oberg added. "You can use it to help define those parts of systems that can leverage Web services interfaces."
The tool is designed to integrate with other tools from the Rational portfolio so systems engineers can also incorporate requirements management, change management and systems-testing capabilities to ensure that new systems will comply with regulations, he added.
IBM also announced a slew of new partnerships with vendors that are creating Eclipse-based software optimized for Rational software. For example, Flashline Inc. is extending its software-asset portfolio management tools to work with Rational Systems Developer to provide registration and governance for the architecture described under DODAF. Other partners that announced support include Wind River Systems Inc., Embedded Plus Engineering LLC, Pathfinder Solutions LLC, Coverity Inc., Galorath Inc., PTC Software Ltd. and LogicLibrary Inc.
The Rational Systems Developer is available now for US$2,500.