METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A VISUAL CONTEXT FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES

• US 20080127051A1
• Filed: 11/28/2006
• Published: 05/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: MILLIGAN, Andrew P.
• Granted Patent: US 7,949,993 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 717/105
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/10 Requirements analysis; Specification techniques

Abstract

A unified architectural diagram that contains links to different kinds of information (a new map) extends the functionality of current standardized development architectural diagrams by linking information to each component of the solution. The new map offers software development processes without architectural diagrams a new centralized, visual representation of every component and process that comprise a large software solution as well as how those components and processes are connected to each other within the solution, offering an opportunity for understanding at an individual level that otherwise would be impractical.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for providing a visual context for a software development process, the method comprising:

providing a unified architectural diagram, wherein the diagram links at least two kinds of information including standardized development architectural information and non-standardized development architectural information, the diagram including a storage and a stencil area representing components and links to different kinds of information, and for generating a unified view of each represented component, wherein the components and links can be dragged and dropped into the storage area, wherein there is a hierarchy of the software development process and links assigned to relevant information, and wherein the content of the software development process can be published as a standard.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the link is a pointer to a URL path.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the link is a pointer to a computer file path.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the standard comprises a web-based standard.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 wherein the unified architectural diagram comprises a source map for delivering information to a wide audience and a series of focused maps, wherein each of the focused maps deliver information to a specific audience.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5 wherein the diagram also allows for access to the source map and to information linked in each focused map.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 5 wherein the audience comprise any of and any combination of application developers, quality assurance (QA) engineers, information developers, curriculum developers, pro-services, sales/technical sales representation, marketing, existing customers, new customers and software management.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the unified architectural diagram comprises a published diagram with linked information.