On the re‐engineering of transaction systems
Wojtek Kozaczynski, Norman Wilde · Journal of Software Maintenance Research and Practice · 1992
Abstract This paper provides a framework for considering the problems of re‐engineering transaction processing systems. Such systems are key components of most modern business operations, and their continued enhancement is crucial for competitiveness. The paper grew out of a study of software re‐engineering problems and practices carried out by Andersen Consulting at several major companies in the telecommunications industry. It describes some of the practical difficulties found in re‐engineering transaction systems, especially the problems caused by the need for an incremental approach and the difficulties of re‐engineering in parallel with the continuing evolution of the operational system. This paper presents a model of the maintenance and re‐engineering processes showing the main activities that are needed and the data flows among them. Existing tools for re‐engineering are then analysed against this model to identify gaps and potential for further tool development. Finally, there is a brief discussion of the very stringent personnel needs of software re‐engineering projects.