Question

Software architecture-related:

Software architecture brings a number of tangible benefits. How would you measure the benefits, on a particular project, of each of the thirteen points?

Answer 1

A software architecture brings a number of benefits to a particulare project.

1. It creates a solid foundation for the s/w project.
2. It makes the platform scalable for the s/w project.
3. It increases the performance of the platform of the s/w project.
4. It helps implement the vision of the s/w project. It gives an effective method to look at the big picture by helping the overall state of IT to decide which direction the organisation wants to go and where the organisation needs to go with the IT structure.
5. A s/w architecture gives an overall structure to the s/w development process and thereby helps drastically reduce the time to market.
6. A s/w architecture helps identify potential points for cost savings. For eg., the architecture may show that multiple database systems could be changed so only one product is used, reducing software and support costs.
7. It allows better code maintainability since it is easier to maintain existing s/w as the structure of the code is visible and shown. Hence it also allows for the increased efficiency in identifying bugs or anomalies in the system.
8. It allows an increased idenification of the quality of the system and also in a way makes the platform faster.
9. It allows prioritize goals that are in conflict. It helps build communication with the stakeholders and hence enable building a system that better meets the needs of the stakeholders,
10. A s/w architecture always allows the management of the complexity of the system.
11. It increases the adaptabilty of the s/w since an architecture allows a proper separation of concerns. Hence adding items such as front ends or a business rules engine is easier in an adaptable system.
12. It increases the opportunities for risk management and thus reduces risks and chance of failure
13. A s/w architecture helps quicker changes i.e. turn around time in IT solutions, since we are in a market where the needs of the business will constantly evolve and to meet business reqts, legal reqts, govt reqts, etc.