Modular architecture for open research platforms: A case study of RARS with POCOS, data mappers, and repository patterns
2025, vol.17 , no.4, pp. 3-14
Article [2025-04-01]
The emergence of open research platforms requires modular, sustainable architecture to foster collaboration, interoperability, and reproducibility. Earlier work proposed the Research Access and Resource Sharing (RARS) platform as a digital answer to financial bottlenecks in research by resource sharing and collaborative infrastructures. Extending that work, this article reports on the architectural innovation of RARS through the use of structured software engineering concepts—such as Plain Old C# Objects (POCOs), Data Mappers, and the Repository Pattern—for backend modularization. This is the first detailed architectural examination of RARS with an emphasis on maintainability, developer on boarding, and FAIR compliance. UML diagram samples demonstrate how this method promotes extensibility, separates data layers, and facilitates prospective interoperability with sophisticated research data infrastructures. Our contribution is providing a reusable architectural template for open research platform developers, bridging the gap between socio-technical platform requirements and backend software architecture.
software modernization, APIs, open-source software, collaborative development, data sharing
https://doi.org/10.59035/CHJS9821
Agon Memeti, Eva Cipi, Hakan Rexhepi, Artina Kamberi. Modular architecture for open research platforms: A case study of RARS with POCOS, data mappers, and repository patterns. International Journal on Information Technologies and Security, vol.17 , no.4, 2025, pp. 3-14. https://doi.org/10.59035/CHJS9821