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  4. Using the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) to Evaluate the Software Architecture for a Product Line of Avionics Systems: A Case Study

Using the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) to Evaluate the Software Architecture for a Product Line of Avionics Systems: A Case Study

July 2003 • Technical Note
Mario R. Barbacci, Paul C. Clements, Anthony J. Lattanze, Linda M. Northrop, William G. Wood

This 2003 technical note describes an ATAM evaluation of the software architecture for an avionics system developed for the Technology Applications Program Office (TAPO) of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Office.

Publisher:

Software Engineering Institute
CMU/SEI Report Number

CMU/SEI-2003-TN-012

DOI (Digital Object Identifier):
10.1184/R1/6585797.v1
Subjects

Abstract

The quality of a software-intensive system depends heavily on the system's software architecture. When used appropriately, software architecture evaluations can have a favorable effect on a delivered or modified government system. This technical note describes the application of the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) to an Army avionics system acquisition. A government-contractor team is developing the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) for a family of U.S. Army Special Operations helicopters. This technical note presents the contextual background about the software architecture, the organization, and the system being evaluated. It also provides a general overview of the ATAM process, describes the application of the ATAM to the CAAS, and presents important results and benefits.