A Survey on Software Architecture Analysis Methods.
IEEE Trans. Software Eng., 28 (7):
638-653 (2002)Description
The paper provides an overview of eight existing Software Architecture Evaluation Methods. The methods discussed are SAAM, SAAMCS, ESAAMI, SAAMER, ATAM, SBAR, ALPSM and SAEM.
First off, the definitions of the main terminology are given. The authors define what they vision as quality attributes and the quality model, give a definition and a description of SA and explain some evaluation techniques. After this, they introduce a framework for comparing the characteristics of several SA evaluation methods. The framework consists of 7 items:
1) the method's goal, 2) The evaluation technique, 3) quality attributes the method addresses 4) which type of SA description is needed, 5) stakeholders involvement, 6) methods activity 7) Reusability of an existent knowledge base and 8) whether the method has been validated.
Using the introduced framework, all eight SA-evaluation methods are discussed on a case-by-case basis. A comparison between the different methods is then made based on the specific goals of the methods and how the methods can be classified. The authors look deeper into the way each method addresses scenario generation and usage because this a common activity amongst the evaluation methods. Finally, a table is presented in which the results of the framework is summarized for each of the SA evaluation methods.
