International Business Machines Corporation

Peter A Lambros

Vadim Berestetsky

Suman Kumar Kalia

Allen V Chan

Stephen Rea

An XML schema defining elements representing different point of variability (POV) types for points of variability of a pattern is provided. The elements belong to an XML schema POV data-type substitution group that allows the POV types to be substituted for one another. A pattern author is allowed to add new or custom POV data types to the substitution group, thereby allowing the pattern author to extend the pattern meta model to include new POV data types. Once the desired POV data types are defined, the pattern author is allowed to generate an instance of the pattern that applies programmatic operations of the new or custom POV data types created and substituted by the end user to each respective system object.

Extensible meta model for capturing solution patterns

A method for capturing patterns and associated points of variability includes providing an XML schema defining elements representing different point of variability (POV) types for a pattern. The elements belong to an XML schema 'substitution group' to enable the POV types to be substituted for one another. In selected embodiments, the method enables a pattern author to add new or custom POV types to the 'substitution group,' thereby allowing the pattern author to extend the pattern meta model to include new POV types. Once the desired POV types are defined, the method enables the pattern author to generate an instance of the XML schema, defining the points of variability for a specific pattern, using the elements defined in the XML schema &#x201c;substitution group.&#x201d; A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed and claimed herein.

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Southampton, United Kingdom

Peter A Lambros