Description models and the design of ADP systems: Trends in West Germany

摘要

This article describes problems of designing automated data processing systems and outlines model-based tools to overcome the pitfalls in designing user-oriented ADP-Systems. Description models are introduced as new instruments for improving the design of application programs. The construction and application of these models is a special trend in West Germany.Two strategies in developing description models are discussed: the general approach, based on the “Kölner Integrationsmodell”, and the individual approach, based on various experiences in different companies. Several examples are given, and a software-system for model-based, computer-aided system design is reviewed.