The Development of an Integrated Modeling Environment

This paper suggests an approach of delivering a new generation of modeling tools with improved user interface without giving up the mathematical engines of currently available tools. The approach is presented through the description of an integrated environment for modeling computer systems and communication networks named IDEAS, which is currently under development at Duke University. The key elements considered in the environment design are integration and user-centred design. A powerful set of selected modeling tools provides a strong foundation for IDEAS, while the two referred elements provide guidelines throughout the project.