I. Software Engineering Environment For All
Platforms:
ProMod is the Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) environment for open, heterogeneous, networked systems. Developed by a division of Daimler-Benz in Germany, over 30,000 engineers are using ProMod, making it the most widely used case tool in Europe. These European designers turn requirements into system designs, system designs into detail programming specifications, and even generate completed programs directly from specifications in ProMod. European firms use ProMod to dramatically lower life-cycle cost of designing, building, maintaining, and enhancing large software systems. ProMod is the way to integrate designs and design-build teams in open systems environments.
II. The Open Systems Challenge
Many organizations are moving applications onto networks of small, inexpensive computers. Some of these companies are finding, however, that software costs keep increasing while hardware costs decline. Software costs more to produce in open systems because:
- The teams of specialists needed to design and develop large, open systems geometrically increase the communications overhead in a project.
- Specialists are needed for each hardware platform.
- Specialists on different platforms frequently prefer different programming languages.
- It is increasingly hard for a single individual to grasp and design a coherent system in such a complex environment.
- Source code usually does not reside on the platform running the application and if the source code can be found, usually exists without any design documentation.
- Design documentation is scattered across the platforms without central control.
III. ProMod Meets The Challenge:
ProMod reduces all of these life cycle costs. ProMod is a CASE tool that both runs on and is especially good for designing large, open, heterogeneous systems. It is a cross-platform product that runs on PCs (Windows, OS/2, and NT), VAX (VMS), DEC (Ultrix), SUN Sparc (Solaris), HP 9000 (HP-UX), and IBM RS6000 (AIX). All of the versions of ProMod present the same interface to the user. Skills developed in utilizing ProMod on any platform are 100% portable to ProMod on any other platform.
ProMod's design tools help designers stay in control of large, complex projects by automating many documentation tasks and providing automated linkages between related design objects. With its object oriented database on a central server, ProMod automatically "publishes" changes to design objects. Analyzers automatically check design objects stored in the central database for consistency across the whole project. ProMod reduces the communications overhead on projects by automatically alerting team members of design changes that affect their objects as soon as they go into the database.
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ProMod Supported Platforms |
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Hardware |
Operating System/GUI |
Network |
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PC |
Windows-OS/2-Windows NT |
Novell-DecNet-TCP/IP |
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SUN Sparc |
Solaris-Open Windows-Motif |
TCP/IP |
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DEC VAX |
VMS-DECwindows-Motif |
DecNet-TCP/IP |
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DEC RISC |
Ultrix-DECwindows-Motif |
DecNet-TCP/IP |
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HP 9000 |
HP-UX-Motif |
TCP/IP |
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IBM RS 6000 |
AIX-Motif |
TCP/IP |
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IBM PS/2 |
OS/2-PM |
LAN Server |
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BULL |
DPX 20-BOSX-Motif |
TCP/IP |
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Siemens |
MX-Intel Sinix |
TCP/IP |
With ProMod you always know where the documentation for a system exists. You can maintain centralized control over system documentation, no matter how far flung your network is. You can even assign programmers in remote locations to simultaneously work together on the same project -- automatically sharing and integrating their work through the ProMod database.
With ProMod's code generator you are sure that the implemented system always matches the documentation. Documentation is never out of date, because it actually generated the executing code. Even if you do not use ProMod's code generator, you can use the ProMod database to store the source code for every function and module with the design documentation. You can automatically generate programs through the report writer. This way ProMod can support any programming language. The code and documentation never need to part company.
Inside ProMod, users have exactly the same tools and the same interface on all supported platforms. Many designers can work simultaneously on the same project from any of these platforms, instantly able to share their part of the design with all other project members. ProMod automatically checks the design work for consistency. These capabilities lower the cost of communicating within design teams and lower the cost of cross platform training.
The optional code generator minimizes the need for cross platform language training. The code generator can also reverse engineer old code (generating design documentation from undocumented code). With the optional GUI application builder and the code generator, you can document, reengineer, and modernize legacy systems in one pass. ProMod keeps the cost of maintaining and enhancing systems low.
IV. Abundant Options Increase Your Power:
ProMod-OCM (Object and Communication Manager)
ProMod-OCM is an Object Oriented database manager for shared, multi-user client/server oriented system design teams. OCM allows multiple, concurrent users to work on the same design project and resolves any design conflicts as objects are stored. A central license manager allows team members access from any mix of changing platforms, up to the licensed maximum. An Applications Programming Interface for all ProMod components is included.
ProMod-ShortCut (System Simulator)
ProMod-ShortCut allows system designers to simulate operation of systems before creating any code. This is a fully interactive (GUI), real-time simulator that allows designers to check the logic, controls and displays of systems before construction. Testing before construction helps ensure that finished systems behave properly.
ProMod-SourcePilot (Source Code Generator)
ProMod-SourcePilot generates C or FORTRAN source code directly from a Modular Design Using ProMod CASE to design systems and SourcePilot to generate the code ensures that the documentation for a system always perfectly represents the code. SourcePilot also performs reverse engineering -- creating documentation from old code.
ProMod-ProFace (UNIFACE Generator)
ProMod-ProFace generates UNIFACE (4GL) database schemas and source code directly from the Modular Design. Using ProMod to design and ProFace to generate the database and code, ensures that the documentation always perfectly represents the implemented system. ProFace also performs reverse engineering.
ProMod-GUI (GUI Application Builder)
ProMod-GUI allows design and build of Graphical User Interfaces as part of the design process. It includes a graphical screen painter, an object oriented dialog script language, a portable user interface for highest function on each platform, interfaces to C, C++, and COBOL. Combine that with reverse engineering to modernize legacy applications.
ProMod-ProSQL (SQL Generator)
ProMod-ProSQL is an SQL database designer that generates DDL (data definition language) for Oracle 6 & 7 and Informix. Databases are defined through easy to use dialogs/forms.
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ProMod Tiers |
Description |
PC |
UNIX |
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Direct |
Deluxe |
Pro |
Deluxe |
Pro |
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SA |
Structured Analysis |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Data Flow Diagrams |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Hierarchy Charts |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Data Dictionary |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Mini Specs |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Annotations |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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RT |
Real Time extension for SA |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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State Transition Diagrams |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Decision Tables |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Additional text |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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IM |
Information Modeling |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Entity Relationship Diagrams |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Entity Relationship Models |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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MD |
Modular Design |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Subsystems |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Modules |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Functions |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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db |
Single user db |
X |
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OCM |
Shared OOP db |
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X |
X |
X |
X |
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OCM |
c/s Shared C/S OOP db & API |
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O |
O |
O |
O |
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Designer |
Transform SA to MD automatically |
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X |
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X |
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Tracer |
Link between MD/SA/IM/RT |
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X |
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X |
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Task Designer |
Model dynamic system behavior |
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X |
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X |
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ProFace |
Interface to unifAce |
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O |
O |
O |
O |
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SourcePilot |
Generate C/C++ Code and reverse engineer old code |
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O |
O |
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ShortCut |
Interactive System Simulation |
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O |
O |
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GUI builder |
GUI application builder |
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O |
O |
O |
O |
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Pro-SQL |
generate SQL schemas |
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O |
O |
O |
O |
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O -- Available options |
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X -- Standard feature |
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As a standard feature, you can make any of your current tools automatically callable from inside ProMod, just like optional extensions. ProMod is integrated into HP's SoftBench development environment. SoftBench tools can invoke each other and support cut and paste between tools.
V. Use Standard Design Methodologies:
A. Structured Analysis -- Yourdon/De Marco, McMenamin/Palmer, Jackson
Graphical editors make generating Data Flow Diagrams effortless. Add nodes, terminators, data flows, control flows, stores, and text with a click of a mouse button. Choose large, medium, or small icons or adjust their size manually to suit your needs. Snap objects to a coarse, medium, or fine grid. Bend flow lines to go where needed with either sharp angles or smooth curves. ProMod automatically tracks the names of objects in your design.
Attach mini specs to make design notes for any node. Mention data items in mini specs and ProMod holds them for addition to the Data Dictionary. You can define data first or check on it later. ProMod keeps mini specs and data definitions out of sight until needed. Add up to ten types of annotations to every diagram. Five types of annotations are available for text about a diagram. Another five types can be used to invoke other tools.
For example, you can link a design document and its word processor to a diagram. With two clicks of the mouse button you move directly to the design notes. Close the document and you are back in the diagram editor. Other tools can be linked the same way -- link to a spreadsheet to build and track project budgets -- link to project management tools to estimate schedules. ProMod keeps your tools readily accessible in the menu, not cluttering up the diagram.
As you refine the design of each node, create child diagrams to show the details. ProMod makes it easy to see which nodes have lower level diagrams. While you add data flow diagrams, ProMod automatically builds a hierarchy chart of the entire project.
B. Real-Time Design -- Hatley/Phirbhai
For design of real time systems, attach as many State Transition Diagrams and Decision Tables as needed to a diagram. Special graphical editors help you create State Transition Diagrams (STD) and Decision Tables (DT) with ease. ProMod keeps the STDs and DTs readily available, but hidden to keep your Data Flow Diagrams uncluttered. STDs and DTs are grouped together as Control Specs and can be reviewed as a group as well as accessed through the attached Data Flow Diagram.
C. Information Modeling -- extended Chen notation
Graphical editors make building Entity Relationship Models and Entity Relationship Diagrams easy. Select Entities (strong or weak), and Relationships , connect them, move them around .... All the graphical editing power is in your hands.
D. Modular Design Meilir Page-Jones, Yourdon/Constantine
Design the Subsystems, Modules and Functions to implement your system requirements. Graphical editors provide powerful capabilities to map logical design to a physical design. Text editors attached to each Subsystem, Module, and Function allow you to enter code skeletons and programming notes. Pull down templates provide code skeletons for you to flesh out as needed.
VI. Sophisticated Design Analyzers
Analyzers work with the data dictionary to ensure that data needed in functions is actually available, called functions are defined, and that all the other design elements mesh. Analysis can be restricted to sections of the requirements analysis, sections of the modular design, or to just the relationships between requirements design, task design, and/or modular design.
VII. Strong, Flexible Report Writer
Dozens of output options are available to document your project design. Output can be generated direct to printers or to files. File output options include ASCII format, Postscript, and Desk Top Publishing format. Diagrams can be output in either Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language or Encapsulated Postscript format to facilitate including ProMod diagrams into documents maintained in desk top publishing systems.
VIII. Developed and Maintained by Daimler-Benz InterServices
ProMod is a product of debis Systemhaus, headquartered in Aachen, Germany. ProMod is a joint product from Daimler-Benz Interservices (debis Systemhaus) and Cap Gemini (the worlds largest Computer Consulting Corporation). Daimler-Benz is the parent of Mercedes-Benz, AEG, and Deutsche Aerospace (part of the AirBus consortium). Cap Gemini is the largest supplier of custom software solutions, turnkey systems, and facilities management in Europe. ProMod users include Mercedes, AirBus and most of the largest companies in Europe:
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AEG |
Electrical Equipment |
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AKZO |
Chemicals |
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BMW |
Automobiles |
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MBB |
Aircraft |
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Honeywell |
Control Systems |
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Philips |
Electronics |
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Schindler |
Elevators |
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VW |
Automobiles |
IX. Pricing
ProMod prices are per concurrent user (not per workstation or by size of system). In networked installations, a license manager resides on a server to permit usage from any attached workstation (up to the licensed maximum). There are numerous optional modules, which can be purchased separately. This ensures that you pay for only the functions you need. Trial licenses for Deluxe and Professional versions are available.
Each package includes, disks, manual, quick start guides, and a 36 minute VHS video tape to show you all the basics. ProMod prices start at $1,299 for the single-user, stand alone PC version of ProMod. For availability and pricing of higher tiers, UNIX, and VAX versions, and options, in the USA contact G&E Systems at (209) 478-1168.
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For more information E-Mail or contact us at
G & E Systems, Inc.
250 Edge Hill Road, Sharon, MA 02067-1017
(781) 784-1007 (Voice) (781) 784-1737 (Fax)