Separating computation, coordination and configuration

We present methodological and technological solutions for evolving large-scale software systems. These solutions are based on many years of research and experience in developing systems in one of the most volatile application domains-banking. We discuss why 'promising' software development techniques, such as object-oriented and component-based approaches, on their own, cannot meet the challenges and objectives of software development today, and propose a three-layered architectural approach based on the strict separation between computation, coordination and configuration. We present a set of modelling primitives, design principles and support tools through which such an approach can be put effectively into practice, and discuss how it promotes a more 'dynamic' approach to software evolution. Finally, we make comparisons with related work.