Conceptual Independence as an Architecture Pattern for Adaptable Systems.

Abstract

Conceptual independence is a novel approach for adaptable information systems. It extends the ideas of Model Driven Development. Conceptual independence eases adaptability by a separation of the Business domain terms from the functions that use the terms in the application. Although in practice many examples can be found in which parts of this approach are applied, a consistent application of this idea is not often encountered. The principle of Conceptual independence is sketched in this paper in a pattern. Since developing information systems often depends on the content of the Business domain, and the conceptual model of the domain needs frequent adaptation, systems need to be adaptable. In this paper we describe a complete decoupling of the software system from its conceptual model of the domain. We illustrate the relevance of this approach for the professional practice of software development and architecture. Furthermore, we describe related approaches for adaptable systems.