Scientists' needs in modelling software ecosystems

Abstract

Currently the landscape of software ecosystem modelling methods and languages is like Babel after the fall of the tower: There are many methods and languages available and interchanging data between researchers and organizations that actively govern their ecosystem, is practically impossible. The lack of a universally accepted set of modelling methods is hampering the advancement of software ecosystems research. Using a literature study and a set of interviews amongst peers, we aim to establish a set of understandings and requirements for a universally accepted set of software ecosystem modelling methods. The work is an initial push in a larger research initiative that has the goal of advancing the maturity of (software) ecosystems modelling. The success of such an initiative will be found in the availability of common databases, better interchange formats between researchers, and more capable software ecosystem modelling tools.