Software Engineering Task Force Terms of Reference - For Discussion





Given the recent interest in within the group from Jeff’s suggestion to
form a Software Engineering Task Force, I have drafted a terms of reference
for discussion at tomorrow’s telecon. I have rather optimistically included
all those who have expressed an interest on the mailing list as members of
the Task Force, so if you appear below and do not wish to take part, please
let me know.

I’m sure that much lively debate will be generated by this initial draft,
but I considered it important to at least get some words together for
discussion as soon as possible. I therefore hope that we can jointly mould
this into something of real interest and value.

I have deliberately steered clear of making reference to MDA, the UML, the
OMG, MOF etc, to keep objectives generic, but have referenced initiatives
under our working group’s OEP and AD Task Forces so that demarcation of
responsibilities is hopefully clear. Individually targeted ideas would,
obviously however, be welcomed.

I am particularly concerned that the current scope of this Task Force may
well be attempting to rather ‘boil the ocean’, so thoughts on limiting the
breadth of ambition here would be greatly appreciated.


****

Name: Software Engineering Task Force
Status: Pending
Coordinator(s):
Phil Tetlow             <philip.tetlow@uk.ibm.com>
Jeff Pan          <pan@cs.man.ac.uk>
Members
Holger Knublauch  <holger@SMI.Stanford.EDU>
Michael Uschold,  <michael.f.uschold@boeing.com>
Ben Doumas        <benoit.doumas@free.fr>
Chris Welty       <christopher.welty@us.ibm.com>
Aditya A Kalyanpur      <adityak@wam.umd.edu>
Alan Rector             <rector@cs.man.ac.uk>
Evan Wallace            <ewallace@cme.nist.gov>
Deborah L. McGuinness  <dlm@ksl.stanford.edu>

Invited Experts
Grady Booch       <gbooch@us.ibm.com>

Objectives
To investigate potential synergies between the Semantic Web and domains
more traditionally associated with Software Engineering. This is to enable
the promotion and cross-pollination of both new and established ideas
between the two communities, potentially relating to:
o     Use cases
o     Models, patterns and frameworks
o     Methods and tools
o     Underpinning technologies
o     Best practice

The scope of this Task Force will be deliberately wide in order to
encourage and capture novel thought and encompass the broad spectrum of
interests categorised under the general heading of Software Engineering.

Short-term objectives
o     To collect, collate and validate a list of potential ideas and uses
for the Semantic Web in Software Engineering and to make this list publicly
available.
o     To evaluate new ideas and uses with an eye for creation of notes
recommending inclusion in future standards activities.
o     To further evaluate ideas already presented to the Semantic Web Best
Practices Working Group. These include:-
      -     The potential for Ontology-Driven Software Engineering and the
crossover between Ontology Engineering and Software Engineering
      -     The use of composite identification schemes on the Semantic Web
and their potential use for ‘ontology joining’ and the reduction of
ambiguity across the Software Lifecycle
      -     The construction of dynamic self-organising applications using
Semantic Web technologies
      -     The use of Semantic Web Technologies to produce highly
adapted/adaptive (user) interfaces and support tools.

Long-term objectives
o     To promote the wider use of the Semantic Web in Information
Technology
o     To stimulate interest in the use of the Semantic Web in Software
Engineering by acting as a repository for synergy-based ideas.
o     To encourage dialog between traditional software and Semantic Web
developers.
o     To promote the development of supporting tooling

Approach
It is hoped that initial ideas and topics for discussion will be generated
internally within the SWBP working group and that this work will eventually
stimulate input for the wider W3C community and contributing organisations
and institutions. As such there is an aspiration that this Task Force will
act as an early catalyst for the promotion and pragmatic deployment of the
Semantic Web in the global IT industry.

Because of the broad ambition of this Task Force it is intended to restrict
the submission of ideas to W3C members and affiliated organisations.

The Task Force will operate for the remaining duration of the Semantic Web
Best Practices Working Group.

Scope
o     Ideas presented by W3C members and the associated affiliated
organisations during the lifespan of the Semantic Web Best Practices
Working Group.

Out of Scope
o     Ideas from non-W3C member organisations or individuals.
o     Ontology patterns and engineering, although output from the OEP Task
Force may well feed into this work activity
o     Existing applications and demos, as outlined in the objectives of the
ADTF

Deliverables
o     A publicly available list of validated ideas and potential uses for
the Semantic Web in Software Engineering
o     Appropriate notes and recommendations resulting from the evaluation
of ideas submitted to the list

Regards

Phil Tetlow
Senior Consultant
IBM Business Consulting Services
Mobile. (+44) 7740 923328

Received on Wednesday, 17 November 2004 10:19:40 UTC