Distributed Development

Enterprise Architect supports distributed development using two different techniques, as described below.

Replication

Use the Replication features to enable geographically separated analysts to update and modify parts of the model in replicas, then merge these back together at a central location. For further information see the Replication topic.

XMI Import/Export

Use the XMI-based Import/Export facility to model discrete packages, export to XML and share among the development team. This approach has several benefits over replication:

1. You can assemble a model from only the parts necessary to get your job done.
2. You can assemble a full model if required.
3. You can assemble a model from different package versions for different purposes (such as customer visible, internal release only).
4. You can roll-back parts of a model as required.
5. There is less chance of 'collisions' between developers if each works on a discrete package.
6. The process is controllable using a version control system.

Use the Import/Export context menu options (below) to access this feature; they are available through the Project | Import/Export submenu.

The Controlled Package feature can also be used to assist in the process.