The Graphical Language Server Protocol (GLSP) is emerging as a standard for communication between web-based graphical modelling clients and model servers, with existing implementations in Java and TypeScript — but none in Smalltalk. This paper describes the design and implementation of GLOSS, a GLSP-compliant model server built in Pharo Smalltalk, and compares it to the authors' existing EVA graphical modelling environment. The result reveals both the advantages of Smalltalk's dynamic, object-oriented approach and a set of concrete limitations in the GLSP protocol itself.
Extending and Automating Maturity Models for More Value
Maturity models are widely used for organisational self-assessment, but their value is often limited to producing a score. This paper argues that far greater value is achievable by extending models to include prioritised recommendations and action planning — and by automating the whole process to remove the friction that discourages use. Drawing on the development of a generic domain model implemented in the EVA platform, it demonstrates how a range of maturity models can be rapidly deployed, assessed, scored, and translated into actionable improvement plans with minimal custom code.
A Business and Solution Building Block Approach to EA Project Planning
Enterprise architecture programmes frequently struggle with scope confusion, misaligned stakeholder expectations, and poor traceability between business requirements and delivery plans. This paper presents a building block approach — distinguishing Business Building Blocks (capabilities) from Solution Building Blocks (systems and technologies) — developed and validated on a multi-project transformation programme at a rapidly expanding South African telecoms company. The result was dramatically improved communication between sponsors, stakeholders, programme managers, and development teams, and a shared, navigable picture of what would be delivered, when, and in what sequence.