Architecture : Styles and Representational Schemes

Acknowledgements This work would have been incomplete without the help and significant contribution of some special people, all of whom I would like to thank sincerely. First and foremost, I would like to thank Dr. Donald Kraft for his guidance and support. He has always been there to help whenever I needed him and has egged me on whenever I have felt stranded and lost. He has always given valuable tips and made insightful remarks that have led my research in the right direction. He has contributed significantly to the writing, editing and refinement of this document. He has proofed this document and suggested corrections and improvement and he has always been right. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Sukhamay Kundu for exposing me to this exciting area of software architecture and creating my interest in this research direction. He is the person who has taught me all that I have learnt in the last couple of years. He has guided me in my research efforts, inspired me with new thoughts and ideas, and helped me in developing the academic skills required to carry out research at this level. He has encouraged me in my efforts, has been severely critical when I have been erroneous and has taught me the art of doing things right. From him I have learnt that the best way of doing things is to do them right, and that perfection can be achieved by sticking to a task and putting forth the best possible effort. I would like to thank Dr. Doris Carver and Dr. Bijaya Karki for being members of my research committee and for giving me their time and helping me with my research. iii Last, but not least, I would like to thank my wife for being such a supportive person. She has been with me in the highs and lows that accompany a research effort and never once let me lose my focus and direction. She has listened to my ideas patiently and provided valuable tips. She has helped me in refining this document by pointing out errors and typos, and helped me in searching and procuring online research material pertaining to my research area.