Up until a few years ago there were many different modelling languages
available to software developers. However, this vast array of choice
only served to hinder communication and as a result the Unified
Modelling Language (UML) was born. Although the UML has its roots firmly
in the software world, the benefits of adopting a standard visual
notation have been recognised in many other fields, not least of which
is the field of systems engineering. This book concentrates on
systems-based applications, rather than the traditional software
applications that are more usually associated with the UML. Now fully
updated to reflect the changes to UML for its version 2.0 release, this
new edition has been substantially re-written and includes new material
on systems architectures and life cycle management.