This is an introductory-level guide to using Object-oriented Process, Environment, and Notation (OPEN) as a software development process and to using Unified Modeling Language (UML) as its notation.

The authors provide two case studies: a library system for managing book loans, and a bank system for managing small business loans. Both studies illustrate three steps in software development: understand and describe the problem; describe the solution; and produce the solution with appropriate controlling and tracking mechanisms. Both case studies are clearly written and complete. The case studies, together with the expository material, provide readers with a methodology for managing the software development process. The authors also provide a Web site for software packages and supporting materials, most of which seem to be active and up to date.