  Process-Centered Software Engineering Environments (PSEE) have recently
attracted a large number of researchers. In such environments the software
processes are explicitly described and interpreted by the PSEE, allowing
software activities to be automated, assisted, and enforced. Lehman and Belady
(1985) & Osterweil (1987) claim that this capability is a central element in a
software development environment for the improvement of software product
quality and software developers productivity. We have addressed these problems
in the framework of the Adele project. The Adele kernel, initially a
configuration management system has been extended with respect to 1) modeling
and support of complex product models: the Object Manager 2) modeling and
support of software processes: the Activity Manager and 3) modeling and support
of software product evolution: the Configuration Manager. For data and product
modelling, an ER/OO model has been implemented including SEE specific features;
On top of Adele kernel, which is a commercial product, we developed a Process
Manager research prototype, Tempo, an enactable formalism based on two major
concepts: objects may have a different description (role) depending on the
process in which they are used, and processes are synchronized and coordinated
by explicit connections. ADL-Tempo is organized around the concepts of software
product, Work Environment and software process.
