TRENDS IN LIFE-CYCLE MODELS FOR SE AND KE - PROPOSAL FOR A SPIRAL-CONICAL LIFE-CYCLE APPROACH

The ten-year gap between the emergence of Software Engineering (SE) and Knowledge Engineering (KE) has led to the two disciplines developing along different methodological lines. In this paper, we point out that, after having passed through a period during which they ignored each other, followed by a competitive phase, the two disciplines have now reached a meeting point. We see the need for a life-cycle model for systems that integrate traditional and knowledge-based software. Besides, software development in the 21st century will entail open requirements and technological tools that will evolve during the life-cycle. Finally, the paper discusses a proposal for a conical-type spiral life-cycle model that seeks to meet all those needs.