The SysML Partners

The SysML Partners is the group of software tool vendors and industry leaders that convened in 2003 to create a profile (dialect) of UML for systems engineering called SysML (Systems Modeling Language). The SysML Partners defined SysML as an open source specification that would satisfy the requirements of the OMG's "UML for Systems Engineering" RFP, and their specifications include an open source license for distribution and use.

The SysML Partners were founded and chaired by Cris Kobryn, who previously chaired the UML 1.x and UML 2.0 specification teams. Kobryn coined the language name "SysML" (short for "Systems Modeling Language"), designed the original SysML logo, and organized the core language design team as an open source specification project. Sandy Friedenthal, chair of the OMG Systems Engineering Special Interest Group, served as Deputy Chair.

The SysML Partners completed their SysML v. 1.0a open source specification draft and submitted it to the OMG in November 2005. A series of competing specification proposals was followed by a "SysML Merge Team" proposal submission to the OMG in April 2006, which was adopted by the OMG as OMG SysML™ in July 2006. In June 2007 the SysML Partners were named a winner in the "Modeling Category" of the SD Times 100, which recognizes the leaders and innovators of the software development industry.