ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY
What it is: UML (Unified Modeling Language) is a graphical modeling
language used to specify, visualize, construct, and document
applications and software systems, which are implemented with
components and object-oriented programming languages, such as Java,
C++, and Visual Basic. UML incorporates the object-oriented community's
consensus on core modeling concepts and provides a standard way for
developers to communicate the details of system design and development.
In addition to object-oriented modeling of applications, UML is also
used for business-process modeling, data modeling, and XML modeling.
Purpose of modeling: Models for software systems are as important as
having a blueprint for a large building, or an outline for a book. Good
models enhance communication among project teams and assure
architectural soundness. The more complex the software system, the more
important it is to have models that accurately describe the system and
can be understood by everyone. UML helps provide this via a standard
for graphical diagrams. Just like an architect can understand the
notations on any blueprint, UML enables software engineers and business
managers to understand the design of any software system, even if the
original designers have long left the company.
Organization behind it: Object Management Group (OMG) (www.omg.org).
(UML Resource Page at OMG Web site is www.omg.org/uml.) The OMG
produces and maintains the UML standard, an internationally recognized
standard. The OMG is an open membership, not-for-profit consortium that
produces and maintains computer industry specifications for
interoperable enterprise applications. Its membership roster (about
800) includes just about every large company in the computer industry
and hundreds of smaller ones. Most of the companies that shape
enterprise and Internet computing are represented on the OMG's Board of
Directors.
Companies that contributed to the UML Standard: Realizing that UML
would be strategic to their business, the following companies
contributed their ideas to the first UML standard: Digital Equipment
Corp, HP, i-Logix, IntelliCorp, IBM, ICON Computing, MCI, Microsoft,
Oracle, Rational Rose, TI, and Unisys.
Companies that use UML: It is safe to say that all Fortune 1000
companies are currently using UML, or are moving toward UML to model
and design their applications and systems. This includes companies from
all vertical industries, from Coca Cola to Warner Brothers, from CVS
Pharmacy to Lockhead Martin Aerospace. You name the company - if they
have an IT department, they are using UML.
Rapidshare 
