Since its introduction in 1997, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) has quickly become a commonly accepted standard and a widely used tool for object modeling. Go to www.omg.org, which is the Web site of the Object Management Group (OMG), the standards body for UML, and take a look at its UML Resource Page, as well as its links to other sites such as IBM and Popkin Software.

a. What is the most current version of UML?

b. What is the Object Management Group?

c. In reviewing some of the historical articles on the Web site, why do you think that UML became a leading tool for object modeling so quickly?

d. Review the specifications for UML 2. 0 (they are available for download or viewing free of charge)—what did you find most interesting and/or valuable about the new version?

e. Many languages used in information technology have come and gone, but certain ones, such as COBOL, are still in wide use decades after they were introduced. Based upon the articles available on the Web site, what do you think will be the life span for UML? Why?

f. Does UML have any new or emerging competitors at this time?