A representation method for performance specifications in UML domain

Performance related problems play a key role in the Software Development Process (SDP). In particular an early integration of performance specifications in the SDP has been recognized during last years as an effective approach to speed up the production of high quality and reliable software. In this context we defined and implemented a technique for automatically evaluating performance aspects of UML software architectures. To achieve this goal the starting UML model of the software architecture under exam has been mapped into a performance domain afterwards analyzed. The performance indices are inserted in the UML model exploiting the OMG Profile for Schedulability, Performance and Time Specification standard. However, to really automate the process, it was mandatory to specify the UML software representation by fixing semantic rules. The goal of this paper is the formalization of the model representation, characterizing the syntax and the semantics through which specifying performance requirements and behaviors into UML models in order to be compliant with the technique we implemented.