Integration Needs in Process Enacted Environments

In this paper', "process enactment" refers to the simultaneous and synchronized execution of a human-oriented development process and an executable model of this process in order to enhance the computer-based support given to the human-oriented process. The aims of process enactment in a software engineering environment can be considered through different perspectives, such as those of the software developing organization, the team and the individual user. This paper is mainly concerned with process enactment from the individual user's point of view. Starting from the general problem of achieving integration while retaining independence between tools, the specific needs on tool independence originating from process enactment of the environments is discussed, leading up to requirements on the environment and on tools. An experimental SEE, developed by Cap Gemini Innovation within the context of the Eureka Software Factory (ESF), which exhibits a number of the required characteristics, is presented in some detail.