What is a Reusable Component?


What is a Reusable Component?

The RCS will function as a registry of information for reusable components of many types. The components will be used to build, document, and test systems and applications. Furthermore, since they will be reusable they will be of value to system developers and architects.

Some components may be ready to integrate seamlessly into a system (e.g., web services). Others may constitute blocks (e.g., code blocks) used to build other components. Still others may be used as modifiable templates (e.g., data dictionaries, data models) to design or build an application. It will be acceptable to register a component that is part of a process and that is able, by itself, to perform a function (e.g., XML schema).


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What is the Reusable Component Services?

The RCS will not be a repository that stores components nor will it be a registry that catalogs components.  Instead, the RCS will link to existing EPA and non-EPA registries and repositories. RCS will store high-level metadata about the registries, repositories, and components in order to allow intelligent discovery of the components.

Thus the RCS will function as a super-registry or umbrella registry, a central point or clearinghouse for all kind of components, regardless of the registries/repositories that store the actual components.

The RCS will not be a better registry or a more accessible repository. It will rely, instead, on the strength of the individual registries/repositories.

The availability of many of these services is planned for 2009.


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