Object-oriented design and architecture of distributed systems (Q2711180)

In his doctoral thesis (451 pages) the author presents a thorough discussion of the ``Object Coordination Net'', OCoN, a formalism allowing and supporting a systematic design process for complex distributed system. Applicability is demonstrated in the design of three object-oriented software system kernels, viz.: -- A component of a (simplified) decision support system focussing on system architecture and behavioural aspects for overall coordination. An appropriate, diagramatically supported UML extension allows concise specification and a suitable abstract operational view. -- An E-mail system highlighting possibilities of OCoN to consider design alternatives and their mutual evaluation. -- An E-commerce book-selling system combining the OCoN approach with contracting techniques. OCoNs are an advanced form of Petri nets, covering essential aspects of distributed software system architecture, of design processes, and behavioural specification. The thesis presents the formal basis and mathematically modelling of OCoNs.