Next Steps of the Elaboration Phase
Before exploring the technology landscape of the project, let's revisit the Unified Process. Figure 8-1 shows the process model, with the focus on the Elaboration phase.
Figure 8-1. Unified Process model: Elaboration phase
In this chapter we focus on the architecture activities within the Unified Process. In particular, the following workflows and activity sets are emphasized:
A key artifact produced at this point in the project is the Software Architecture Document (SAD).
Architecture is a heavily used term in our industry. Many excellent studies have focused on effective architectures over the years, and using my own experiences, along with what I have learned from others, I categorize architecture into the following three areas:
Technology: This architecture deals with the many tools required to construct the application. These tools include the database technology, construction tools, source control, configuration management, transaction monitor software, and software distribution. Although going into the project we might know which tools to use, focusing on the technology architecture now will confirm that our choices are correct on the basis of what is currently known about the application.
These three architectures are assessed collectively with respect to known requirements, and the appropriate mix for the application is selected. This unique set of technology, product, and architecture choices is called the application's execution architecture.