Making a usable modeling tool for the distributed tool architecture promoted by a Linked Data approach

Abstract: A tool chain is a distributed tool architecture. It is formed by the tools, in this case software systems, which are integrated by means of a linked data approach. This tool integration approach enables data of tools to be integrated by linking data according to semantic relations. Tools in the chain share the linked data by following the OSLC specifications. During the model-based tool chain development, the tool chain model need to be visu- alized to provide good support for both designing and collaboration. Given this back- ground, the problem addressed is how to make a usable modeling tool for modeling the OSLC tool chain. This report presents the methods used, the experience of designing the modeling tool and diagrams as well as the results from a usability test of the resulting prototype. Based on the encouraging results of the usability test, the approach used in this research can be seen as a possible approach to make a usable modeling tool for modeling the OSLC tool chain.