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RE: [epf-dev] Agile 2007 Abstract: OpenUP Architecture

hiho,

 

I think you should cut a possible concern off at the pass by stating somewhere that this is not Big-Architecture-Up-Front.  I think you hint at it with “How does a team create a robust system without over-analyzing the architecture in early iterations”, but I don’t think that is enough.  In fact, the incremental improvement of the architecture based on what is learned or what changes in a project should be an important part of this… which argues against the “Knowing when the architecture is complete” outline item.

 

I wonder if it is worthwhile to give a bulleted list of architectural representation options.  I think it is an innovation that OpenUP does not disregard architecture, but instead provides agile techniques for iteratively working together to come up with it and supports a very lean representation of it.

 

When you actually create the presentation, don’t forget to include the shadows metaphor.  I love that bit.

 

I know you use the phrase “proof of concept”.  Is there a place to get the phrase “executable architecture” in there?  That should spark some thoughts in the readers of this that we are not just talking about circles and arrows.

 

You’ve edited enough of my stuff for me to feel comfortable with this nit-pick: I use “ensure” to “make sure” and “assure” to “give confidence of” (e.g. “I assure you that I will ensure success”).

 

                                              -------------- b


From: epf-dev-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:epf-dev-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jim Ruehlin
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 8:23 PM
To: epf-dev@xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [epf-dev] Agile 2007 Abstract: OpenUP Architecture

 

Hello all,

 

I’m considering submitting the following abstract for Agile 2007. Any comments you have are welcome. I have to submit this by Friday so please respond before then.

 

Thanks,

Jim

 

 

Architecture the OpenUP Way: An Agile and Unified Approach to Architecture

 

Topic Summary

The purpose of a good architecture is to assure you can keep delivering business value in your software far into the future. However, Agile teams often have difficulties defining what the architecture is and how to produce it. It seems like a proper Agile method would allow the architecture to emerge over the course of development. But experienced practitioners have encountered serious problems in later iterations when a defined architecture isn’t created in early iterations. From a practical perspective, experienced developers tend to work on architectural issues in early iterations to achieve overall system stability. But how much architecture is enough? How does a team create a robust system without over-analyzing the architecture in early iterations? How can long-term business value be supported without sacrificing the delivery of value in the next iteration?

This presentation illustrates how to build architectures in an agile way by leveraging OpenUP/Basic architectural guidelines. The presentation describes how to focus on architecture in early iterations without sacrificing business value. It defines what architecture is in an agile context, how to define just enough architecture, and how to evaluate when the architecture is complete and verified. Attending this presentation will provide context for creating just enough architectural information to support the long-term delivery of business value.

OpenUP/Basic is available for free download from www.eclipse.org/epf.

 

This presentation is geared towards developers tasked with defining robust systems, and the developers who use those definitions to fully realize the system. Developers of all experience levels will find it useful.

 

Attendees will benefit from understanding OpenUP/Basic architectural guidelines by:

  • Increasing their ability to judge how much architectural description is useful without getting stuck in architectural analysis.
  • Learning how to create and describe architectural mechanisms that solve architecturally significant requirements such as persistence, logging, and security.
  • Understanding what kinds of architectural representations can be useful in an agile context.
  • Learning which architectural representations are appropriate for different circumstances.
  • Gaining a context that makes defining the architecture a first-order goal.
  • Acquiring insight into identifying architecturally significant requirements.

 

Outline

  • Architecture in an agile context
  • Identifying architecturally significant requirements
  • Reaching the initial architectural state (proof of concept)
  • Choosing the right architectural descriptions
  • Identifying and evolving architectural mechanisms
  • Balancing architectural value with business value
  • Validating the architecture
  • Knowing when the architecture is complete

 

 

____________________

Jim Ruehlin, IBM Rational

RUP Content Developer

Eclipse Process Framework (EPF) Committer www.eclipse.org/epf

email:   jruehlin@xxxxxxxxxx

phone:  760.505.3232

fax:      949.369.0720

 


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