Tomás Isakowitz

RMM: a methodology for structured hypermedia design

Hypermedia application design di ers from other software design in that it involves navigation as well as user-interface and information processing issues. We present the Relationship Management Data model (RMDM) and the Relationship Management (RMM) methodology for the design and development of hypermedia applications. The seven steps of the methodology lend themselves to computer support, paving the way for a computerized environment to support the design and development of hypermedia applications. This article focuses on design activities, which are addressed within the rst three steps of the methodology.

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On the semantics of “now” in databases

Although “<italic>now</italic>” is expressed in SQL and CURRENT_TIMESTAMP within queries, this value cannot be stored in the database. How ever, this notion of an ever-increasing current-time value has been reflected in some temporal data models by inclusion of database-resident variables, such as “<italic>now</italic>” “<italic>until-changed,</italic> ” “**,” “@,” and “-”. Time variables are very desirable, but their used also leads to a new type of database, consisting of tuples with variables, termed a <italic>variable database.</italic>

Designing hypermedia applications

We describe a step-by-step methodology for the design and construction of hypermedia applications and illustrate our approach using a small application. The Relationship Management Design (RMD) methodology begins with a data model of the application domain and proceeds through the design of the hypertext network, user interface and run-time dynamics finally concluding with the construction and testing of the target hypermedia system. Our ultimate objective is to use the RMD approach as the basis for the construction of computerized tools to support the design and development of hypermedia applications.

Supporting search for reusable software objects

Prior research has shown that achieving high levels of software reuse in the presence of repository and object-based computer-aided software engineering (CASE) development methods presents interesting human, managerial and technical challenges. This article presents research that seeks to enhanced software development performance through reuse. We propose automated support for developers who search large repositories for the appropriate reusable software objects. We characterize search for repository objects in terms of a multistage model involving screening, identification, and the subsequent choice between new object construction or reusable object implementation. We propose automated support tools, including ORCA, a software Object Reuse Classification Analyzer, and AMHYRST, an Automated HYpertext-based Reuse Search Tool, that are based on this model. ORCA utilizes a faceted classification approach that can be implemented using hypertext. We also describe an aspect of AMHYRSTs architecture which can automatically create hypertext networks that represent and link objects in terms of a number of distinguishing features. We illustrate our approach with an example drawn from a real world object repository.

Toward a logical/physical theory of spreadsheet modeling

In spite of the increasing sophistication and power of commercial spreadsheet packages, we still lack a formal theory or a methodology to support the construction and maintenance of spreadsheet models. Using a dual logical/physical perspective, we identify four principal components that characterize any spread sheet model: schema, data, editorial, and binding. We present a factoring algorithm for identifying and extracting these components from conventional spreadsheets with minimal user intervention, and a synthesis algorithm that assists users in the construction of executable spreadsheets from reusable model components. This approach opens new possibilities for applying object-oriented and model management techniques to support the construction, sharing, and reuse of spreadsheet models in organizations. Importantly, our approach to model management and the Windows-based prototype that we have developed are designed to coexist with, rather than replace, traditional spreadsheet programs. In other words, the users are not required to learn a new modeling language; instead, their logical models and data sets are extracted from their spreadsheets transparently, as a side-effect of using standard spreadsheet programs.

Extending the capabilities of RMM: Russian dolls and hypertext

Hypermedia design is usually ad hoc. Whereas the original Relationship Management Methodology (RMM) provides a structured approach to design and implementation of hypermedia applications, it has limitations that constrain the usability of the kinds of applications it can construct. This paper provides extensions to RMM that enable it to model a much richer class of applications, thereby making the methodology more attractive for software developers to use. The paper also presents a graphical and programming language notation for RMMs new m-slice construct, which is at the core of the extensions presented.

Rmcase: Computer-Aided Support for Hypermedia Design and Development

We present the design of a computer-aided environment, RMCase, to support the design and construction of hypermedia applications. The environment is based upon the Relationship Management methodology. RMCase supports hypermedia design and development activities. Support for cognitive design processes is achieved through three fundamental premises that form the foundation of RMCase: (1) fluid feedback loops between the various methodological stages, (2) manipulation of objets at the instance level, and (3) lightweight prototyping. To achieve this, RMCase itself is designed as a hypermedia application, where hypertextual navigation implements feedback loops. Instance objects can be cloned and abstraction/instantiation mechanisms are envisioned to facilitate designers back and forth movements between the abstract and the concrete layers of an application. As a result, RMCase will support bottom-up, top-down and middle-out software development styles.

On the semantics of (bi)temporal variable databases

Numerous proposals for extending the relational data model to incorporate the temporal dimension of data have appeared during the past several years. These have ranged from historical data models, incorporating a valid time dimension, to rollback data models, incorporating a transaction time dimension, to bitemporal data models, incorporating both of these temporal dimensions. Many of these models have been presented in a non-traditional fashion, allowing the use of variables at the instance level. Unfortunately, the precise semantics of these database objects, e.g. tuples, with variables has not been made clear. In this paper we propose a framework for providing a formal specification of the precise semantics of this type of database, which we call a variable database. In addition, since more than one possible interpretation can be given to the specific temporal variables, such as now and ∞, which have appeared in the literature, we discuss several alternative semantics that can be given to these temporal variable databases incorporating one or more of these variables. We also present a constraint on the way such databases are allowed to evolve in time if they are to support a rollback operator.

Reconciling top-down and bottom-up design approaches in RMM

The proliferation of intranets and extranets as well as the vast expansion of the World Wide Web (WWW) and electronic commerce indicate the need for a structured hypermedia design methodology that will guide the design, development, and maintenance of large multimedia and hypermedia information systems and collaborative systems. The Relationship Management Methodology (RMM) is a well-known hypermedia design methodology. In this paper we provide an extension to it that enhances the design process. We present an iterative process of application design that incorporates the design of the entire application as well as its components. The process includes the design of an application diagram in a top-down fashion, the design of the components or building blocks using the construct of an m-slice, and the regeneration of the application diagram in a bottom-up fashion. An iterative comparison and refinement of the two versions of the application diagram ensure a better final application.