How can existing tools be connected in new and powerful ways? In our domain this might include utilizing an existing code analysis tool as the input to a code generation system. New open architecture frameworks are being developed by the main vendors such as the CASE Integration Services and the PCTE (Portable Common Tool Environment). These are based on the object oriented paradigm utilizing type hierarchies and supporting interactive prototyping environments and inter-process or inter-tool communication. Formalization of these frameworks and of the management decisions for their adoption are being explored.