New Microsoft Oslo CTP Available

A new release of Microsoft's next generation modeling platform is now available for download. Codenamed Oslo, the latest Community Technology Preview for the platform went live on May 26, 2009 on the Microsoft Download Center and is now available for download. With the latest development milestone, the Redmond company has taken to the next level all the components of the Oslo package. The modeling platform comes to the table with a modeling language, codenamed "M," but also a modeling tool, codenamed "Quadrant."

In addition, testers will also be able to take advantage of an associated repository, essentially an SQL Server 2008 database designed for models storage. On top of this, Microsoft has also packaged a collection of UML and CLR models designed for specific domains. Oslo also contains the necessary tools to import UML diagrams and .NET assemblies into the repository.

“The installation package itself has been simplified to only contain the essential Oslo binaries: the "M" toolchain, a setup for the "Oslo" Repository,” revealed the members of the Oslo team. “What you won't see installed with this CTP package are samples and documents and basically anything that's not a binary with the singular exception of the obligatory readme. All of the samples are available now as separate downloads, and did we mention the updated and very much expanded documentation is available in the Library?”

In order for testers to access, navigate and edit models belonging to a repository database, Microsoft has extended Oslo with the "Quadrant" modeling tool. Also new in the CTP are “Domain models for the UML 2.1 specification encompassing Use Case, Activity, Class, Sequence, Component diagrams, profiles and templates. An XMI importer supporting the 2.1 specifications, and covering the diagrams identified above. A domain model and loader for System.Runtime,” the software giant stated.

Testers will need to first uninstall any previous versions of Oslo they have installed in order to deploy the May 2009 Oslo CTP.

Microsoft "Oslo" - May 2009 CTP is available for download here.