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As was depicted in Figure 7.1, the
Profiles package depends on the Core package, and defines the mechanisms used to tailor existing metamodels towards specific
platforms, such as C++, CORBA, or EJB; or domains such as real-time, business objects, or software process modeling. The primary
target for profiles is UML, but it is possible to use profiles together with any metamodel that is based on (i.e., instantiated
from) the common core. A profile must be based on a metamodel such as the UML that it extends, and is not very useful standalone.
Profiles have been aligned with the extension mechanism offered by MOF, but provide a more light-weight approach with restrictions
that are enforced to ensure that the implementation and usage of profiles should be straightforward and more easily supported
by tool vendors.