SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TOOL TO ACCEPT OBJECT MODELING DATA FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF OTHER VENDORS AND FILTER THE FORMAT INTO A FORMAT THAT IS ABLE TO BE STORED IN OMG COMPLIANT UML REPRESENTATION

A programmed computer system transforms a distinctive representation of a business model into a generic representation format, such as the Unified Modeling Language ("UML") object model. The system also transforms legacy business processes, including legacy applications into UML format. The UML format of the business model and legacy components are stored in a central repository. The system also allows the reverse engineering and reverse transformation of UML models into a distinctive representation of business models and application components. The transformation of business model information into a UML model is achieved by identifying the differences between these models and creating a bidirectional mapping of the differences. The system also allows for selective movement of objects and models between business process models and UML. In other words, a user may select individual objects to be moved between models.