A Feature-Based Evaluation of Model Merge Methods for e-Health Solutions

Model-driven engineering (MDE) paradigm considers models as central artifacts for software development lifecycle during which models evolve. Developing an e-health solution using MDE poses challenges of model version control, model differencing and model merging, which requires appropriate software configuration management (SCM). In this paper we focus on model-driven merging, which refers to combining two or more versions of a model into a single consolidated version. SCM for model-driven merging leverages evolution of valid configurations, which is a highly desired behavior. Our investigation is based on the features that are required for model-driven SCM realization. Initially, we identify these features using which the existing model-driven merging techniques are evaluated. It is observed that though various proposals are made by academia and research community, a standard model-driven SCM solution that can cater to the needs of industry is still absent. This is in contrary to the situation of traditional SCM systems where standard solutions exist. We also present the usefulness of each technique along with the tradeoffs involved. Finally, guidelines are provided to select techniques appropriate for given circumstances.