Model-driven architecture (MDA) is a kind of domain engineering. It is a software design approach launched by the Object Management Group (OMG) in 2001.
MDA supports model-driven engineering of software systems. MDA provides a set of guidelines for structuring specifications expressed as models. The MDA approach defines system functionality using a platform-independent model (PIM) using an appropriate domain-specific language. Then, given a platform definition model (PDM) corresponding to CORBA, .NET, the Web, etc., the PIM is translated to one or more platform-specific models (PSMs) that computers can run. The PSM may use different Domain Specific Languages, or a General Purpose Language like Java, C#, PHP, Python, etc.. Automated tools generally perform this translation.
The OMG organization provides rough specifications rather than implementations, often as answers to Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Implementations come from private companies or open source groups.
MDA principles can also apply to other areas such as business process modeling where the PIM is translated to either automated or manual processes.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model-Driven_Architecture
