Towards a product derivation process reference model for software product line organisations

The derivation of individual products from a software product line is still seen as a timeconsuming and expensive activity in many organisations. Despite recognition that an effective derivation process could alleviate many of the difficulties associated with product derivation, little work has been dedicated to this area. Existing approaches have very different scope and emphasise different aspects of the derivation process. Furthermore, they are frequently too specialised to a specific development technique to serve as a general solution. This leaves organisations with no centralised starting point for defining an approach to product derivation. Accordingly there is a strong need for a structured approach to product derivation which defines activities, tasks, roles, inputs and outputs of each step in a structured and systematic way. Through a series of research stages using sources in industry and academia, this research has developed a process reference model for product derivation (Pro-PD). Pro-PD focuses on the essential activities, tasks, roles and work products used to derive products from a software product line. Pro-PD is an adaptable approach and can be tailored to suit different process environments.