Draft version. Citation: Sierra, J.L; Moreno-Ger, P; Martínez-Ortiz, I; Fernández-Manjón, B. A Highly Modular and Extensible Architecture for an Integrated IMS-based Authoring System: The <e-Aula> Experience. Software: Practice & Experience 37(4). pp. 441-461. 2007 A Highly Modular and Extensible Architecture for an Integrated IMS-based Authoring System: The <e-Aula> Experience José Luis Sierra (a) , Pablo Moreno-Ger (a) , Iván Martínez-Ortiz (b) , Baltasar Fernández-Manjón 1 , 2 ,(a) (a) Dpto. Ingeniería del Software e Inteligencia Artificial. Fac. Informática. Universidad Complutense. 28040, Madrid. Spain. {jlsierra,pablom,balta}@fdi.ucm.es. (b) Centro de Estudios Superiores Felipe II. Aranjuez. Spain. imartinez@cesfelipesegundo.com SUMMARY <e-Aula> is a new experimental e-learning platform that adheres closely to IMS e-learning standards in order to facilitate their applicability in different learning scenarios. <e-Aula> is equipped with an integrated modular and extensible architecture for the authoring of IMS-compliant learning materials focused on the IMS manifest. This manifest-driven architecture facilitates maintenance and promotes the evolution of the <e-Aula> authoring system, both of which are mandatory requirements in the successful production and maintenance of content for many different specialized learning domains. In this paper, we describe this authoring system in <e-Aula>, its manifest-driven architecture, and its implementation using well-known and robust Java-based web technologies. KEYWORDS: e-learning; IMS-based experimental platform; IMS-based authoring system; <e-Aula>; J2EE; Struts 1. INTRODUCTION E-learning is a broad and very active field in which any type of learning process aided by Information and Communication Technologies can be included. A large number of universities have decided to introduce e-learning facilities by using e-learning platforms. These platforms enhance instruction by allowing teachers to manage learner data, offering personalized learning material, and tracking learner activity 1 Correspondence: Baltasar Fernández-Manjón. Dpto. Ingeniería del Software e Inteligencia Artificial. Fac. Informática. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. C/ Profesor José García Santesmases. 28040 Madrid. Spain 2 e-mail: balta@fdi.ucm.es