Remote Component Environment - A success story of collaborative development and research

Abstract

The software Remote Component Environment (RCE) embodies a success story for collaborative development and research. It enables engineers to develop integrated applications dealing with various domains at different sites while leaving the interaction between these applications to a workflow engine.

RCE is based on Equinox as its implementation of the OSGi framework. It makes use of this to provide a exible modular structure. The Graphical User Interface of RCE combines the proven elements and functionalities of the Eclipse Rich Client Platform (RCP) with workflow engine specific enhancements like a Workflow console, a Workflow Data Browser or domain specific wizards.

Components individually tailored to the needs of the engineers are continuously being developed, while being general enough to be used on a more universal scope. Moreover, external software developers are invited to write their own components.

As an example, a tool chain in the very first design phase of an aircraft was established where RCE enables the multidisciplinary collaboration between experts and developers from the domains geometry, aerodynamics and thermal management.

In a short live demonstration first steps with RCE and the application mentioned above will be presented with focus on the collaborative approach.