Microsoft's "Oslo"
Oslo is the code name for Microsoft’s next generation modeling platform; SQL Server Modeling CTP is the official name. “M” is the name of the modeling language and Intellipad is the tool you use to edit. "M" can be used to create domain specific languages, making it highly customizable. This platform also has capabilities to display non-text (visual) models through a tool code-named “Quadrant.” The third part of Oslo is it's repository which stores data.
The modeling portion of quadrant is really similar to Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN), a business process modeling tool for IT professionals. Because Quadrant is linked to the repository which stores information about computers and applications involved in the process you can conveniently locate, edit, then drag and information into a work pad, the canvas where models are edited. Models exist for web pages, databases, applications, etc. The process modeling portion allows linking of tasks, activities, with appropriate flows just like BPMN. The models appear to have everything BPMN has with additional IT-specific activities such as "User Task." Quadrant is a ideal for creating models to explain IT to business people who are already familiar with process diagrams and notation.
There has been a lot of buzz as to whether “M” is a competitor for (Extensible Markup Language) XML and (JavaScript Object Notation) JSON which are both used to store and transport data. Here is a list of pros and cons of Oslo & "M" below.
Pros:
- Stores different data-types: “M” can store booleans, and integers as opposed to XML and JSON which are limited to strings.
- Simple Code: The syntax which is different from that of XML and JSON seems just as easy to follow and learn.
- Adds more Functionality: “M” uses SQL to further describe relationships between entities. For example it will generate “create table” statements and even populate a table based on the details of the “MGraph” file. It also uses logical values (true false) and operators (==, >=, <=, etc.).
- Oslo is free: You can download Oslo online Microsoft is open to feedback as “M” is still being enhanced.
- More customizable for specific domains: “M” has fewer modeling limitations when compared with XML or JSON and can potentially in be used for a broad range of IT projects with diverse domain specifications.
- Lack of Compatibility and Standardization: “M” is different from XML and JSON and is not yet widely used. Many developers adopted the former standards and acceptance of this new standard is not yet there.
- Lack of understanding & documentation: “Oslo” is a new platform and there is not clear in-depth documentation on how to use it.
- Too Complex: With so many features there may be too many functions which over complicate Oslo.
Competition drives innovation. If Microsoft is marketing Oslo as the next big thing in data management and modeling and “M” has capabilities that XML or JSON do not have, then good for Microsoft. The others will have to follow suit to compete. The demands of web development & data management continue to grow and new technology will inevitably emerge. The big question is, will developers transfer existing XML documents to “M” if the infrastructure is not there? And if not are the benefits of the added functions worth the time spent making the switch? Because it integrates so many aspects of the IT development process and is customizable, I think SQL Server Modeling CTP will catch on. In a year or two we will know for sure.
Blogs and other Websites Consulted:
http://www.nytimes.com/external/idg/2008/10/28/28idg-Exploring-Oslo.html
http://blog.jclark.com/2008/11/some-thoughts-on-oslo-modeling-language.html
http://startbigthinksmall.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/mgraph-the-next-xml/)
http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1276355&seqNum=4
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd285282.aspx
http://www.biztalkgurus.com/media/p/21923.aspx
http://dotnetaddict.dotnetdevelopersjournal.com/oslo_distilled.htm
http://dvanderboom.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/image-thumb3.png?w=630&h=480
http://www.biztalkgurus.com/media/p/21921.aspx
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