Business service components: a knowledge based approach

The work described in this paper deals with the definition of an empirical model to classify components, and the development of a knowledge-based system to capture and organize the knowledge of the experts, as well as, technical documentation associated with components. The objective is to provide developers with a comprehensive tool that addresses the problem of managing (i.e. selecting, configuring, integrating and deploying) COTS components to deliver tailored software systems. The goal of the system is to support the decision process of business managers, software consultants and architects in the definition and design of services for a variety of specific application domains, mainly in the area of Electronic Business. The system should also support the engineers in the specification of software architectures that realize those services.