Towards an Object Petri Nets Model for Specifying and Validating Distributed Information Systems

We present first results towards a tailored conceptual model for advanced distributed information systems regarded as open reactive and distributed systems with large databases and application programs. The proposed model, referred to as CO-Nets, is based on a complete integration of object oriented concepts with some constructions from semantical data modeling into an appropriate variant of algebraic Petri Nets named ECATNets. The CO-Nets behaviour is interpreted into rewriting logic. Particularly, it is shown how CO-Nets promote incremental construction of complex components, regarded as a hierarchy of classes, through simple and multiple inheritance (with redefinition, associated polymorphism and dynamics binding). Each component behaves with respect to an appropriate intra-component evolution pattern that supports intra- as well as inter-object concurrency. On the other hand, we present how such components may be interconnected, through their interfaces, with respect to an inter-component interaction pattern that enhances concurrency and preserves the encapsulated features of each component. Moreover, by interpreting the CO-Nets behaviour into rewriting logic, rapid-prototypes can be generated using rewrite techniques and current implementation of the MAUDE language particularly. The CO-Nets approach is presented through a simplified Staff management system case study.