Analyzing the dependencies between objects in a system

A method of analyzing dependencies between objects, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of:

• determining a first set of dependencies between a first plurality of objects based on a first set of one or more dependency rules;
• determining a second set of dependencies between a second plurality of objects based on a second set of one or more dependency rules;
• wherein the first set of dependency rules define dependency in a different way than the second set of dependency rules;
• storing, in a computer-readable storage medium, in a common dependency format, first data that reflects the first set of dependencies;
• and
• storing, in said computer-readable storage medium, in said common dependency format, second data that reflects the second set of dependencies.

A method of analyzing dependencies between objects, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of:

• determining a first set of dependencies between a first plurality of objects based on a first set of one or more dependency rules, and
• data, from a first set of sources, about the first plurality of objects;
• determining a second set of dependencies between a second plurality of objects based on
• a second set of one or more dependency rules, and
• data, from a second set of sources, about the second plurality of objects;
• wherein the first set of dependency rules define dependency in a different way than the second set of dependency rules;
• wherein objects in said first plurality of objects are different types of object than said second plurality of objects;
• wherein the first set of sources are different than said second set of sources;
• storing, in a computer-readable storage medium, in a common dependency format, first data that reflects the first set of dependencies;
• and
• storing, in said computer-readable storage medium, in said common dependency format, second data that reflects the second set of dependencies;
• whereby data that indicates both dependencies between the first set of objects and dependencies between second set of objects becomes usable to software programs that support said common dependency format.