Introduction to Metamodel Management
The Object Management Group (OMG) establishes and maintains computer industry specifications and promotes the theory and practice of object technology for interoperable enterprise specifications.
Within the OMG, HOPEX works in several domains. In particular, HOPEX performs a reviewer role in the specification of Meta Object Facility (MOF).
The objective of this standard is to ensure interoperability of different modeling tools by common definition of the concepts used.
OMG metamodeling architecture comprises four layers.
An example of use of this four layer architecture:
 
M3 MetaMetaModel
Basic objects
MetaClass
MetaAssociation
MetaClass
M2 Metamodel
Metamodel objects
Org-Unit
An Org-Unit sends a Message
Message
M1 Model
HOPEX user objects
Client
The Order is sent by the Customer
Order
M0 Objects
End user objects
Mr Smith
Mr Smith issues Order No. COM1727
COM1727
The metamodel enables definition of semantics of models that will be created.
They are located in level 2 of metamodel architecture defined by the OMG.
The HOPEX metamodel can be modified or extended to suit specific requirements. To do this, certain precautions must be taken to assure maintenance of its extensions over time.