A template-based model transformation approach for deriving multi-tenant SaaS applications

Abstract

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) are two of the most dominant software engineering paradigms nowadays. Multi-tenancy is the key to successful SaaS. In this paper, we introduce a data middleware to customize the multi-tenant database first. In addition, with the help of model transformation, it is possible to generate SaaS applications from the models. However, most of the current model transformation approaches do not fully support the requirements for model synchronization, and they do not cater for the specific problems faced in the multi-tenancy. Therefore, an effective and simple template-based model transformation and model synchronization approach based on model evolution of MDE paradigms is fully integrated for the development of SaaS multi-tenant applications. The proposed framework uses a novel extensible business component model (xBC) to sufficiently describe both the structural and behavioral properties of SaaS applications. The distribution and uninterrupted running of the generated SaaS applications proves that our approach is feasible and correct in practice.