Software Architecture Workshop

Summary

A. Barletta
ASL
Sony Corporate Laboratories Europe

Summary

l Architecture (what you do)

l Architecting (how you do – the process)
l Architects (who they are)
l Conclusions

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 Architecture

What is an Architecture ? (I)

Technology
Visionary

Gigantic
Expensive

New Multi tier

Immortal
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 What is an Architecture ? (II)
l Definitions:

“There are 3 reasons why Software Architecture is important …

a) communication among stakeholders,
b) early design decisions, and
c) transferable abstraction of the system”

“Architecture is the structure of the system, comprised of

a) components or building blocks,
b) externally visible properties of those components and the
relationships among them”

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When do we need an Architecture ?

(I)

l Large/Complex System
– Number of people (communication)
– Time Frame
– Size of the artifacts
l Multiple Interactive Applications
– Different technical/engineering areas

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 When do we need an Architecture ?
(II)

l Product Family
– Ex: Sony Home Devices -> Symphony !
l Technology Architecture
– Java 2EE, .Net, CORBA,etc
l Domain Standard/Reference Models
– Harmonization of a large domain
– UML, ISO-OSI, etc

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Software Architecture Domain

l Technology
– Engineering: Java, C++, digital signal processing
– Is it good ?
l Environment or Context
– team, company structure, resources, etc
– Is it right ?
l Political
– Finance, Engagement
– Is it successful ?
Tensions & Conflict

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 Big Stones First !!

l Put in the Jar the BIG stones first

l Architectural Principles
l Architectural Styles
l Important Properties

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Divide et Impera

l Reduce complexity
l Constraint infinite choices
l Focus on priorities

Ø Intellectually
manageable
Ø Socially manageable

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 Architecting

Architecting
l It is the step-by-step process to build a proper
Architecture starting
l from the contextual forces
l problems to solve
l environment
l skills
l to the final solution
l Architectural principles, styles, attributes, etc
l Architect document (components, interfaces, protocols, etc)

Ø The process is a framework to be used properly.

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 Software Architecture Model (I)

l Meta-Architecture
l Architecture
– Conceptual Architecture
“identification of components and allocation of responsibilities”
– Logical Architecture
“design of component interactions, connection mechanisms, protocols”
– Execution Architecture
“physical allocation of resources and process”

l Architecture Guidelines and Policies

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Software Architecture Model (II)

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 Software Architecting

Init/Commit

Architectural
Requirements System
Structuring

Deployment
Architecture
Validation

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Architects

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 Architect(s) Role

l Domains of competency
l What you know ?
l What you do ?
l What you are ?

l How many do you need ?

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Domains of Competency
Framework

What you What you What you

KNOW DO ARE
Leadership
Consulting
Organizational
Politics
Business
Strategy
Technology
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 Domains of Competency

l Leadership
– Technical, Intellectual
l Consulting
– Willing to provide support
l Organizational Politics
– Who is in control of What
l Business Strategy
– Visionary but with the feet on the ground
l Technology

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What you know ?

l Understanding what technical issues are the

key to success
l Modeling techniques & development methods
l Organization’s business strategy and rationale
l Understand where are the Key players in the
organization

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 What you do ?

l Communicate, Communicate and …

Communicate
l Modeling, tradeoff analysis, prototype,
experiment, system viewpoint
l Prepare architectural documents and
presentations
l Translate business strategy into technical
vision and strategy
l Motivate and make decisions
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What you are ?

l Investigative, Creative and Practical

l Visionary
l Ambitious and driven, patient and not
l Good mentor, teacher
l Committed, dedicate, passionate

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 Conclusions

l Architecture
– Structure of the solution: good, right and successful
– “Divide et Impera”, reduce complexity
l Architecting
– Architecture Model and Process
l Architects
– What you DO, you KNOW, you ARE
– Communication

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References

l http://www.bredemeyer.com/papers.htm

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Thank you very much for your
patience J

Any Question ?

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