A feature is a small modification or extension of a
system, which usually the user perceives as having a
self-contained functional role. (To see some examples, check out
our suggested case studies.)
Feature integration is the process by which the
requirements of a feature are `integrated' into the specification
of the system.
This kind of incremental system development raises questions about
the compatibility of successive feature integrations; this has
become known as the "Feature Interaction Problem". The
Feature Interaction Problem has received a lot of attention in the
field of telecommunications, where new services are constantly
developed and deployed.
FIREworks will develop feature-oriented specification methods, in which
features are treated as `first-class citizens' and which will address the
potential conflicts between features.
The aim of FIREworks is to provide a method with which companies can build
products by taking an existing product and adding, removing, or respecifying
some features. Such a method will consist of feature-oriented specification
languages and suitable validation tools.
The FIREworks consortium consists of twelve European universities,
each of which is associated with an
industrial supporter, usually major bank or telecommunications
company. The industrial supporters will act in an advisory role to
the project, providing case studies and attending meetings. The
members collaborate in various
subgroups.
15-16 May 2000, Glasgow, United Kingdom
(took place immediately before
FIW 2000, the
Sixth International Workshop on Feature Interactions
in Telecommunications and Software Systems, held
17-19 May 2000 in Glasgow.)
