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- August 2009
Sparx Systems Newsletter - August 2009
Enterprise Architect 7.5 - Build 847 Now Available
Sparx Systems is pleased to announce major updates to the Enterprise Architect 7.5 platform in four recent build releases. Our commitment to world-class innovation in modeling tools is reflected in these product releases, as well as recent industry success, including the SD Times 100 Award.
In this issue:
- Enterprise Architect Release Highlights – Introducing SoaML, Enhanced Application Visualization and more...
- SD Times 100 Award Win – Sparx Systems Wins Prestigious SD Times 100 Award
- New Resources – Webinars, Case Studies and Events
- Tips and Tricks – Learn how to be more productive with Enterprise Architect!
- Messages from Partners – Special Offers, News and Announcements
Enterprise Architect Release Highlights - Build 847 now available
New support for OMG's SoaML:
The UML profile for SoaML provides a meta-model for service-oriented architecture definition and is now supported out-of-the-box in the Corporate edition and above. Search for “SoaML” in Enterprise Architect's User Guide to find out more.
Better visualization of live systems:
Enterprise Architect's Visual Execution Analyzer is the ultimate modeling technology for visualizing running systems - whether they are poorly documented legacy applications or new systems being validated against a well defined model.
Recent builds take this capability to the next level, letting you silently capture portions of the stack trace at specific points in the application, optimally limit stack recording depth and debug Microsoft .NET dynamic 'In Memory' assemblies for inclusion in Sequence Diagrams. Native code profiling now also supports external API calls, sequence diagrams that highlight external calls and improved performance. Search the User Guide for “Analyzer” to find out more.
More powerful model driven BPEL generation:
You can now speed up the development of BPEL models by referencing imported WSDLs and XML Schema, thus leveraging existing web services and data types. Modeling BPEL exceptions has also been significantly expanded, allowing for multiple end events and downstream merging of branches.
Keep shared reference data in synch, easily:
Users can now transparently import model reference data from a common XML file, as the model is loaded. This can be useful for widely distributed teams that need to maintain meta information like stereotypes, templates, scripts, glossary and other project-level information across several repositories. Search the User Guide for “Reference Data” to find out more.
Enhanced model navigation and streamlined editing:
Streamlined model editing with the Element List is even better with hierarchical display options and new shortcuts available. Also, finding the right target Classifier is easier than ever with selection based on model tree, model searches or recent selections.
Expanded Model Driven Generation (MDG) Technologies:
Enterprise Architect's MDG Technology framework helps you customize the modeling environment and deploy domain specific resources like profiles, patterns and templates. MDG Technologies are now more powerful – with new support for Model Scripts, Rich Text Report templates, and Linked Documents templates – and easier to deploy – with the MDG Technology Wizard now supporting custom Diagram types, Toolbox definitions and Model Tasks. Find out more by searching the User Guide for “MDG Technology.”
Plus hundreds of improvements for Rich-text Reporting, Automation and Scripting, Model Baselines, Version Control, Code Engineering, Data Modeling and more!
Full Details Here: www.sparxsystems.com/products/ea/history.html
Download the Updates: www.sparxsystems.com/registered/reg_ea_down.html
SD Times 100 Award Win
Sparx Systems has been recognized in the prestigious SD Times 100 Awards. The award honors companies leading the way for the software development industry through innovation and thought leadership. Sparx Systems was identified among those having advanced the state of modeling in software development.
See our press statement for details: www.sparxsystems.com/press/articles/2009sdtimes100.html
New Resources
Architecture Framework Design with Enterprise Architect � White Paper
Implementing a custom Enterprise Architecture framework using Enterprise Architect. Includes a sample framework model to download.
www.sparxsystems.com/downloads/whitepapers/enterprise_architecture_framework_design.pdf
Integrated Global Requirements Repositories for Distributed Development – Webinar
September 10th, 2009, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT - Presented by Sparx Systems and IAGThe webinar will cover the practical issues involved in knitting together a cohesive globally distributed team and the capabilities of the requirements repository needed to support such a transition.
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) – Case Study
Using Enterprise Architect, ESRI Professional Services (EPS) worked with a leading retail firm to successfully develop and deploy a wireless workforce management system.
www.sparxsystems.com/downloads/pdf/esri_lbs_delivery_case_study.pdf
Department of Motor Vehicles Virginia – Case Study
The DMV leveraged Enterprise Architect to reach cost-effective and highly traceable re-engineering milestones in its multi-year redesign project.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Need to tidy a lot of connectors in your diagram?
Try using the new Layout Palette in Enterprise Architect 7.5 - especially useful for tidying diagrams imported from another tool:
- Select View | More Windows | Layout Palette from the main menu.
- Select Auto Route from the drop-down field in the top-left of the Layout Palette window.
- Click the Green Arrow button in the Layout Palette window.
All connectors should now be neatly organized in your diagram.
NOTE: If no elements are currently selected, all connectors on the diagram will be included in the layout. If specific elements are selected, only connectors between these elements will be affected.
Tip 2: Choose which diagrams are displayed when you open your model.Enterprise Architect 7.5 lets you save a shortcut to a model that defines the views that Enterprise Architect displays on opening the model. Such views can include a Model Search, a specific diagram, the Relationship Matrix with a saved profile, or the Discussion Forum:
- Open the views that you want to see every time you open the model and close the views that you don't want to see.
- From the File menu, choose "Save Project As".
- Enter a Target File name, set Type of Save to "Shortcut", click "Include All" and press OK.
You should now be able to open the shortcut instead of opening the model.
Messages and Information from our Partners
The following messages were supplied by Sparx Systems' Partners. The content does not necessarily reflect the views or intentions of Sparx Systems.
Enterprise Architect User Conference, Munich 2009
The first ever German-speaking Enterprise Architect User Conference is being held in Munich from the 26-27 October, 2009
In addition to the conference lectures and workshops, there will be presentations from Enterprise Architect users and Sparx Systems partners on project outcomes, tool integrations and extensions. Conference participants will also have the opportunity to meet with Sparx Systems COO, Ben Constable. The call for papers will continue until the 14th of August.
Enterprise Architect User Group continues to support New Zealand Users
The most recent meeting was an interesting one, with discussions around how to effectively use Enterprise Architect to support Agile development approaches
Ross Park from Catch Limited presented on the effective use of Enterprise Architect features to support Agile development approaches. A model using Agile storyboards and iterations was demonstrated and its usefulness discussed by the group. It provided a simple Gantt style representation of the iteration, custom requirements and Agile storyboard diagrams.
Whether you are in New Zealand or not you are able to get involved in the EAUG community. Feel free to download this basic Agile profile from the link below and send us your suggestions!
New Zealand's Enterprise Architect User Group is growing from strength to strength and welcomes new members of the New Zealand community at each bi-monthly session.
URL: www.sparxsystems.co.nz/forum
Seminar "Requirements Engineering with UML and Enterprise Architect"
Next 3 day seminar on Requirements Engineering (RE) using UML 2.1 and Enterprise Architect 7.5 from 21st to 23rd of September 2009, held by Fuchs-Informatik
For the 11th time FUCHS-INFORMATIK AG will hold its seminar in Olten Switzerland (Language: German). FUCHS-INFORMATIK AG provides an overview on UML and requirement engineering in general. Along with a case study, they will teach you how to structure an Enterprise Architect project, specify features and requirements, model business and system use cases, activities, domain classes, state machines, design user interface prototypes, generate HTML- and RTF-documentation, manage traceability, import and export model information. Theoretical lessons are followed by hands on training on your notebook.
URL: www.fuchs-informatik.ch/seminare/requirements_engineering_mit_uml.html
UML profile for Component-and-Connector Views of Software Architecture - Whitepaper
Epidata Consulting presents a UML profile and UML patterns for documenting the component-and-connector views of software architectures
“A UML Profile for Documenting the Component-and-Connector Views of Software Architectures”, was written by Valerio Adrián Anacleto, Epidata Consulting’s Director. In this paper, Epidata Consulting presents a UML profile and a group of UML patterns for documenting the component-and-connector views of software architectures.
Epidata Consulting was the first company specialized in Software Architecture in Latin America and is the market leader in Argentina. Epidata Consulting has worked with Sparx Systems since 2003, offering customers integral solutions related to Enterprise Architect, principally in Argentina and Chile. Since 2007, Epidata has been a Global Training Partner and was the first authorized trainer in the region.
URL: www.epidataconsulting.com/site/files/eng/Whitepaper_UML_EpidataConsulting.pdf
Latest Enterprise Architect courses for BPMN 1.1 and BPEL 1.1
Get the latest formal Enterprise Architect training for Business Process Modeling with on-site and online courses from Cephas Consulting
Get formal training for Enterprise Architect’s latest Business Process Modeling support and features for BPMN 1.1, BPEL 1.1, and code generation from business rules. Learn how to build comprehensive Business Process models using the powerful BPMN notation. Combine them with WSDL and XML Schema definitions to produce executable BPEL code and directly target the Workflow/Process Execution Engine supporting your SOA infrastructure. Cephas helps you further close the gap between Business and IT with generated code from generically expressed Business Rules. The Cephas Consulting instructor-led courses are offered on-site or online.
URL: www.cephas.cc/bpmn4bm_course.html
Business Service Analysis & Design, Service Solution Design training for SOA
Training for Business-Driven, Cost-Effective Implementation of SOA. Enables lower-cost solutions on the basis of in-depth understanding of the business
This is definitely the wrong time to go for massive investments in SOA without clear business benefits. The right way of implementing SOA is to be driven by business needs, with active business participation and with implementation derived from the business model.
Business Abstraction offers courses that enable SOA implementation with limited resources, using mainly internal expertise. Business Motivation Modeling has proven critical in establishing effective communication with the business and justifying SOA implementation to the enterprise. Business Service Analysis produces a service-oriented view of the enterprise co-owned with the business. Business Service Design defines Services that deliver Business Agility. Service Solution Design produces detailed platform-specific models.
URL: www.businessabstraction.com/soa/AbstractionSOA.htm
Tassc launches Circa 2009 – Estimation and Planning Software
Tassc is delighted to offer Enterprise Architect customers a 10% discount on Circa 2009 – estimation and planning software that integrates with Enterprise Architect
Circa 2009 features significant performance enhancements providing support for estimating and planning large-scale software projects. Circa is now more configurable allowing users to refine and adjust the built-in metrics to produce even more accurate estimates in order to control budgets and schedules.
Other key Circa features:
- Import software artifacts from Enterprise Architect using XMI
- Produce instant estimates of effort, person days, duration and cost
- Profile resources by defining their skill levels and availability
- Assess project risk and build in contingency
- Define a process structure and schedule work and people to tasks
- Export project schedules to Microsoft Project
- Produce comprehensive management reports in HTML and Microsoft Excel formats
Catch Limited has acquired Cadeo for EA / QC and has since released Version 1.1
Cadeo, which enables the sychronization of information between Enterprise Architect & QC, is an excellent addition to the suite of products already owned and developed by Catch
On acquiring the product on May 19th the CEO of Catch Limited, Bryce Day, stated that the acquisition of Cadeo was a "strategic move, which would have significant benefit for both new and existing customers of both Catch Limited and Cadeo for Enterprise Architect / Quality Center". Specifically he was excited about the potential of the product and was looking forward to enhancing the product and providing an ALM solution to even more Sparx Systems and Hewlett Packard customers.
Roll forward two months and Cadeo has been rebranded as 'EA Connector for QC' and v1.1 of the product has been released, which provides a better user interface and allows multi-project integration.
For further information, to download a trial or to purchase EA Connector for QC please visit our online store.
URL: www.catchlimited.com
International Forum on MDA and Enterprise Architectures, 2nd October
The 4th International Forum on MDA and Enterprise Architecture adds a focus on Enterprise Architectures and it's relationship with Model Driven Architecture: Milan, Italy 2nd October
The 4th edition of the International Forum on MDA and Enterprise Architecture organized in collaboration with the Object Management Group (OMG).This edition focuses on Enterprise Architecture and it's relationship with Model Driven Architecture. Keynote speakers include:
- Richard Soley, Chairman and CEO of the Object Management Group (OMG)
- Diego Lo Giudice, VP & Principal Consultant of Forrester Research
- Steve Cook, Software architect at Microsoft
- Stephen Mellor, Vice-President of Project Technology Inc. and one of the 'fathers' of MDA
- David Frankel, Lead Standards Architect - Model Driven Systems, SAP Labs
- Michael Rosen, Director of the Cutter Consortium's Enterprise Architecture Practice
- Michael Guttman: CTO at The Voyant Group, solutions partner for Soluta.Net
CTGI offers Enterprise Architect Technical Bulletins and Articles in Portuguese
CTGI is offering free access to Enterprise Architect bulletins, tips and articles in the Portuguese language to users who register on their website
CTGI is providing free access to its internet pages containing Enterprise Architect tips, technical bulletins and articles for registered users. All of them are available in the Brazilian Portuguese language. Enterprise Architect customers and users can apply for a registration by sending an email requesting access to [email protected]
A CTGI esta fornecendo acesso gratis `s suas paginas internet com informagues ticnicas e artigos sobre o Enterprise Architect, para usuarios registrados. Todos os textos estco em Portugujs. Clientes e usuarios finais podem solicitar o registro simplesmente mandando um email para [email protected]
