Common Messaging Model Component

From MIKE2 Methodology

The Common Messaging Model (CMM) is the framework for modelling "data in motion" and enables standardised information exchange across multiple applications, departments or organisations. CMM Messages are built based on standards (e.g. industry models, corporate standards) and evolve over time based on usage and new requirements.

Contents 1 Modelling Techniques 2 Common Data Elements 3 CMM Subjects 4 CMM Messages

Modelling Techniques

Modelling data in motion is an emerging area and there are a number of techniques for message modelling – a single approach has not yet emerged other than a standardisation around the technology to be used ( XML). One of the approaches that has been used to build CMM Messages as part of implementing the SAFE Architecture can be summarised as follows:

• CMM Message structures define the schemas for how services interact within a Services Oriented Architecture. The outbound message schema from a Service Requester is always a CMM Message. Business Services and Service Providers are invoked by an inbound CMM Message

• Messages are built by reference using a 3-tier model from the base level of Common Data Elements.

• Open standards technology ( XML Schema Definitions) is used to construct CMM Message structures.

To further explain the concept of modelling data in motion, one potential architectural approach for modelling messages is shown below:

Common Data Elements

Common Data Elements (CDEs) define the individual data elements, which are the most basic unit of information (lowest level of detail to CMM). CDEs are the building blocks that are used to define higher information components described below. They enable standardisation of data elements by providing Name, Description, and Data type for each element. They are separate and self-contained attributes. CDEs have distinct definitions but can take on different flavours within the contexts of their usage (CMM Subjects, CMM Messages).

CMM Subjects

CMM subjects are encapsulations (logical groupings) of CDEs (e.g. address, customer). CMM subjects are commonly used groupings of CDEs. CMM Subjects can also be composed of other CMM Subjects. CMM subjects enable re-usability, maintainability and consistency of use.

CMM Messages

CMM Messages are composed of CMM Subjects (where available) and CDEs. They define the usage specification for information units for given Business Services i.e. provide business service context to information exchange.

CDEs, CMM Subjects and CMM messages are implemented as XML Schema Definitions (xsd). They reference the CMM Subjects and CDEs i.e. CDEs and CMM Subjects are created once but referenced in multiple CMM Messages.