Experience with Software Architectures and Configured Software Descriptions

Introduction In this position paper, we highlight some of the things we have learned over the past 15 years in our experience with software architectures. Much of what we have learned results from our experience in the specification, design, implementation and evolution of software engineering environments and process-driven software environments. Along the way, we have developed or used a variety of alternative architectural notations to support these efforts. We also have employed architectural design concepts and notations to specify, "code" and evolve a variety of configured software descriptions, including software life cycle documents, software hypertexts, software processes, and others. In this regard, we have found it useful to explore alternative schemes for combining software architecture concepts, techniques, notations and tools with those for software configuration management. Accordingly, we will highlight some of our experiences in these areas or topics.