This section introduces the OMG Enterprise Distributed Object Computing (EDOC) standard and its key components Enterprise Collaboration Architecture (ECA) and Component Collaboration Architecture (CCA). If you are already familiar with MDA then we suggest you continue reading with Model Driven Legacy Integration.

When we are thinking of applying MDA to integration, the question arises as to whether Unified Modeling Language (UML) is sufficient, or whether we need to create a totally new metamodel for integration?

Fortunately neither is the case as OMG has once again an appropriate standard with Enterprise Distributed Object Computing (EDOC) and in particular its core elements the Enterprise Collaboration Architecture (ECA) and Component Collaboration Architecture (CCA).

The EDOC-ECA/CCA is a platform independent, recursive collaboration based modeling approach that can be used at different levels of granularity and different degrees of coupling, for both business and systems modeling.

When applied to integration the standard can be used equally for:

• Legacy Interfaces – Defines the interfaces and attributes of the existing applications and data stores, including their functions, operations, data elements, data structure etc.
• New Services – Defines the interfaces and attributes of the new services that are to be built, including their external interfaces, message formats etc.
• Compositions – Define the way that components are constructed from smaller reusable elements.
• Choreographies – Define the dynamic behavior of components as they work together to implement a specific business transaction. Choreographies define both the intended external behavior of a service and the internal processes of invoking operations, checking results, sequencing and general control rules.

EDOC-ECA/CCA is positioned at exactly the right level of abstraction for modeling the integration process. Furthermore, this standard has exactly the right view – the external interaction of components as represented by their interfaces and their dynamic behavior.

Where to Go Next?

For detailed information about EDOC-ECA/CCA please see the OMG MDA Web site, otherwise please continue to the next section that introduces Model Driven Legacy Integration, the implementation of MDA for integration by SCORE Adaptive Bridges.