Pattern-Driven Architectural Partitioning: Balancing Functional and Non-functional Requirements

Abstract

One of the vexing challenges of software architecture is the problem of satisfying the functional specifications of the system to be created while at the same time meeting its non-functional needs. In this work we focus on the early stages of the software architecture process, when initial high-level system partitioning is being performed. Specifically, we study the problem of system partitioning with respect to both functional requirements and quality attributes. Architecture patterns are particularly well-suited to simultaneously addressing functional requirements and quality attributes. They support architects in considering both, understanding the impact of decisions on other attributes, and making tradeoffs among them. Existing architectural design methods accommodate pattern use, but do not exploit it in detail. We propose a pattern-based approach that leverages the benefits of patterns, and fits well with existing methods.