scope:

This document is a specialization of the more general reference model for software and systems product line engineering and management described in ISO/IEC 26550. The specialization defined herein addresses a class of methods and tools referred to as feature-based software and systems product line engineering, or feature-based PLE, which has emerged as a proven and repeatable product line engineering and management (PLE) practice supported by commercial tool providers. This document: - provides the terms and definitions specific to feature-based PLE; - defines how feature-based PLE is a specialization within the general ISO/IEC 26550 reference model for product line engineering and management; - defines a reference model for the overall structure and processes of feature-based PLE and describes how the elements of the reference model fit together; - defines interrelationships and methods for applying the elements and tools of the product line reference model; - defines required and supporting tool capabilities. In this document, products of feature-based PLE include digital work products that support the engineering of a system. Some of the artefacts are actually part of the delivered products, while other artefacts can be non-deliverable, such as physical or digital design models. The intended audience for this document comprises: - technology providers who wish to provide automated tool support for the reference model and processes described in this document; - champions within an organization who wish to introduce feature-based PLE throughout that organization; - IT staff within a PLE organization who will introduce and maintain the necessary technology to support feature-based PLE; - practitioner stakeholders who will use the provided technology to practice feature-based PLE; - technical and business managers who will sponsor and direct the methods necessary to practice feature-based PLE; - university professors, researchers, corporate trainers, and other educators who will create and share pedagogical materials about feature-based PLE and its benefits.