Tool attachment in EIS

Tool attachment and integration in an object-oriented information management framework for CAD (computer-aided design) are discussed. A two-part approach is suggested; a short-term attachment approach that allows great flexibility in attaching existing tools, and a long-term integration approach that allows tight coupling of tools. This twofold approach is being investigated as a candidate industry standard as part of an engineering information systems program funded by the US Department of Defense. It is intended to allow migration from the current base of existing tools that the noninteroperable toward industrywide adoption of standards that facilitate transportability and interoperability of tools.<>