OpenLink : a flexible integration system for environmental risk analysis and management.

Most existing computer codes for modeling environmental pathways were developed to satisfy a specific objective (e.g., perform analyses to demonstrate regulatory compliance). Over time, the codes have been written in various computer languages and software environments that are often not compatible with each other. In recent years, largely driven by advances in industrial software, a new concept for software development based on modularization has emerged. This approach entails the development of common modules or components that can be shared by and used in different applications that have certain common needs. Although modularization promises advantages over the traditional approach, a number of issues must be fully addressed and resolved before the approach can be accepted as a new paradigm for environmental modeling. This paper discusses these issues, provides demonstrations of open integration techniques, and provides recommendations and a course of action for future development.