Improving time-to-market using SDL tools and techniques

Abstract

In this paper we summarize our experiences in building and integrating new generation, formal-methods based computer aided software engineering tools (CASE) to yield pragmatic improvements in software engineering processes in the telecommunication industry. We define an accelerated development methodology (ADM) for the specification, design, testing and re-engineering of telecommunications software. We identify two of the most significant barriers to adoption of tools and formal methods to speed up software development, namely the requirements engineering barrier and the legacy code re-engineering barrier, and show how the ADM methodology helps to overcome these barriers and improve time-to-market for telecommunications software. Our ADM methodology is based on the most widely accepted formal languages standardized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU): (i) a scenario description language called Message Sequence Charts (MSC), (ii) an EFSM-based Specification and Description Language (SDL), (iii) an executable test description language called Tree and Tabular Combined Notation (TTCN), (iv) a data description language Abstract Syntax Notation (ASN.1). This paper emphasizes the following key components of our ADM methodology and their placement within the most common software engineering processes: (i) Use-Case Based High-Yield Requirements Engineering with MSCs. (ii) Synthesis of SDL requirements models (SRM) from approved MSC scenarios. (iii) Efficient, concurrent generation of high-yield TTCN test cases. (iv) Seamless refinement of SRM into SDL design models. (v) Code generation from the SDL models. (vi) Automated re-engineering of SDL models from legacy software.