Re-engineering legacy Web applications into RIAs by aligning modernization requirements, patterns and RIA features

Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) have become a common platform for Web developments. Its adoption has been accelerated thanks to different factors, among others, the appearance of patterns for typical RIA behaviors and the extension of different Model Driven Web Engineering methodologies to introduce RIA concepts. The real fact is that more and more developers are switching to RIA technologies and, thus, the modernization of legacy Web applications into RIAs has become a trend topic. However, this modernization process lacks of a systematic approach. Currently, it is done in an ad hoc manner, being expensive and error-prone. This work presents a systematic process to modernize legacy Web applications into RIAs. The process is based on the use of traceability matrices that relate modernization requirements, RIA features and patterns. Performing some operations on these matrices, they provide the analyst with the necessary information about the suitability of a pattern or set of patterns to address a given requirement. This work also introduces two measures, the degree of requirement realization and the degree of pattern realization, which are used to discuss the pattern selection. Finally, the applicability of the approach is evaluated by using it in several Web systems.

• A systematic process to modernize legacy Web systems into RIAs is presented.
• Matrices relate modernization requirements, design patterns and RIA features.
• A case study provides the reader with a concrete modernization scenario.
• Validation has been described by applying the approach to several systems.
• Process aims at covering the gap between requirements and architectural design.