These are articles, meeting minutes and other references to the work of Mark Bell.

Configuration Management of StP Models, Mark Bell 1997

Abstract: Article discussing the architecture of the Software through Pictures (StP) software engineering tool and how that tool can be interfaced to the ClearCase configuration management tool. Illustrated with diagrams and database information. Audience: experienced users of StP who wish to learn more about the tool's architecture and future direction.

Effective Use of a Projector in a 10x10 Trade Show Booth Mark Bell October 18, 2000

Abstract: At a recent tradeshow I spent some time setting up the projector to make a dynamic moving image on the back of our booth. The arrangement used two laptops – one for the rolling PowerPoint projection and another for the Applications Engineer demo on a large monitor. This lets us quickly adapt our signage to the particular show. Also, the rolling slideshow is eye catching. Many times in the past I’ve seen people glance at our booth and decide that we had nothing for them. With the eye level projection they linger for several seconds while they learn what we do. This worked well and I recommend we do it at all future 10x10 shows. Audience: internal marketing and management.

Ad Copy - Aonix Products pitch to the OMG, Mark Bell Dec 6, 2000

Abstract: This is ad copy (or flyer copy) used to succinctly describes our software tools offering to the members of the OMG, a professional standards body. OMG members comprise a high level audience who are more likely to be receptive to technical descriptions rather than "marketingspeak." Audience: OMG conference attendees.

Automatic Report Generation Press Release Mark Bell, 1999

Abstract: Describes a graphical report generator that allows users to graphically define a desired report format from the software engineering tool Software through Pictures. StP is based on a relational database (Sybase or MS SQL). Audience: Prospective users and customers of StP.

How to Partition StP Models Mark Bell, June 9, 2000

Abstract:  StP Model Management  is a feature of Aonix Software through Pictures (StP) that partitions and manages subsystems of a UML model.  It allows a UML model to be decomposed into subsystems, each of which can then be worked on separately while StP Model Management maintains the overall consistency of the model.  This means that an StP user can check a portion of a model out into a private workspace, work on it and check it back into the model in the safe knowledge that the overall integrity of the model is still intact.  Audience: Prospective users and customers of StP.

An Architectural Discussion of Cayenne ObjectTeam and StP Mark Bell, July 9, 1998

Abstract:  Our Cayenne Tiger Team has installed and operated ObjectTeam, initially to characterize our competitive advantages and to counter theirs.  We have spent at least ten man-days and developed a worthwhile list of comparisons beneficial to Aonix.  However, we also find that ObjectTeam's architecture supports versioning from the ground up, and that for certain customers this makes Cayenne the tool of choice. Audience: Internal marketing, engineering and management.

OMG Trip Report Mark Bell, April 2003

Abstract: The Object Management Group is an industry consortium and standards body. Mark Bell was the corporate delegate to that body while employed at Aonix. The OMG maintains the UML standard, the principal means for representing object oriented designs. In this report I am preparing a workshop panel of industry experts. Most of the panel members are from companies more prominent than my own, so my chairing the panel would enhance our standing and also allow us to take a fair, objective stance.

Demonstration Script: Validator Mark Bell, April 5, 2000

Abstract: Validator is an automatic test case generation tool. It is used with UML Use Case diagrams to describe expected behavior of a system under test. I am an experienced presenter and demonstrator, accustomed to finishing demonstrations with a flourish. This article is a brief description of how I demonstrate a tool without using the flourish. There is no big "finale" that shows the test case generator at work. Maybe it's more like demonstrating an insurance policy than the usual software demo.

Conspiracy? Or Software Limitation? Why XMI Has No Graphical Layout Mark Bell, March 31, 2000

Abstract: XMI is a standard that specifies how diagrams may be interchanged between UML tool vendors. However, the original standard made no provision for exchanging diagram layout information from one vendor to another. At the time the UML tool industry had one large leader -- Rational -- and a number of smaller companies. Speculation ran rampant that the standard had been intentionally crippled so that the smaller vendors could not effectively interoperate with (or supplant) Rational. This line of reasoning was encouraged by the fact that the principal methodologists worked at Rational. The Truth Will Come Out... Audience: Engineering and other internal users of StP interested in architectural issues.

Detailed Minutes: OMG Safety Critical Day, Mark Bell, April 2002

Abstract: These are detailed minutes of a series of meetings at the OMG. There are lots of embedded pictures and detailed narrative. This document is offered as proof of my skill as a recording secretary.

Motivational Speech Followup: Book Ideas, Mark Bell, April 2000

Abstract: I planned and presented the motivational speech for the Aonix corporate annual meeting. I had the advantage that, as an employee of the company, I could follow up and make sure that the excitement of the speech translated into actions and (in some cases) personal change. This article is the follow up in which I describe a number of books and other resources.

During the presentation I offered every attendee their choice of any of the books or magazine subscriptions I described. I derived much of this list of motivational books by simply asking senior management which books had made the greatest difference in their lives.

The whole presentation was filled with audio-visuals, music, theater and long-term sustenance.