Abstract: The integration of knowledge-based techniques with traditional algorithmic software is discussed. Typical problems in power system planning and operation are better solved when the two techniques are combined. Functional aspects of a hybrid problem solving strategy are described and illustrated by two examples from power system operation. Available methods for practical implementation are reviewed. Sample applications from the literature are used to illustrate different approaches to hardware and software integration. Some of these applications have been successfully integrated with existing systems in operational environments. Future energy management systems based on an open architecture are likely to make it easier to integrate knowledge-based systems. Still, software integration issues continue to be a challenge. Particular problems are: automation of complex tasks by intelligent coordination, development of highly flexible software organizational schemes, and methods for easy data exchange between applications based on different software paradigms. >

Abstract: ThM paper presents our experience in developing d= tributed applications in Ada. Ada has been chosen as our programming language because it offers software engineering concepts and an interesting tasking model. In this paper we shall present software components which allow communication between applications. These components have been designed through a systematic approach and implement the latest recommendations of standardization committees. These components can also be considered as the basic elements for the design of d~tributed kernels.

Abstract: We describe Bart, a software bus that addresses the problem of maintaining flexibility in software systems by supporting component independence. Software components can be built to be independent of the context in which they are used, allowing them to be reused in many different situations. Component independence also allows a software system to be extended by adding new components without modifying existing ones. The connections between software compo- nents are described using SCL, a declarative glue language that defines the relationships between data models in different components. This glue language is compiled into an efficient procedural form and, to reduce communication overhead, executed in the process where the data resides. Bart is a software bus that handles message transport, data sharing, and data translation. It operates in a distributed environment and can connect components written in different programming languages. We illustrate Bart by showing how it is used to support a hypertext system.