Software Architecture: 8. ATAM Scenario Documentation example

Sunday, June 23, 2013

The following are templates filled out for scenarios for illustration not completeness.

(H,H) Scenario	Port new to Operating System
Attributes	Portability
Environment	Operating system
Stimulus	New Device
Response	The developers deliver a production quality PAMD Image that supports new device within two months.
Architectural Decisions	Sensitivity	Tradeoff	Risk	Nonrisk

(H,H) Scenario	Port new hardware to existing infrastructure and operating system(s)>\.
Attributes	Portability
Environment	N/A for now
Stimulus	A new device is selected to inclusion into the ecosystem.
Response	PAMD developers deliver a production quality PAMD images is developed for the new device within 2 months (business) or 1 year (IT Arch). [Negotiated to 6 months between Business Owner and IT Architect]
Architectural Decisions	Sensitivity	Tradeoff	Risk	Nonrisk

(H,H) Scenario	Data type incompatibility
Attributes	Reliability
Environment	Run-time
Stimulus	The data type understood by the application changes, without an updated plug-in
Response	The system raises an error, informing the user that the data type is incompatible.
Architectural Decisions	Sensitivity	Tradeoff	Risk	Nonrisk

(H,H) Scenario	Loading PAMD plug-ins and applications
Attributes	Reliability
Environment
Stimulus	User loads 1 additional plug-in or applications that exceeds the system capacity limits.
Response	The system responds by loading the new plug-in or application without crashing.
Architectural Decisions	Sensitivity	Tradeoff	Risk	Nonrisk

Here is the clearest definitions I could come up with:

Risk – a clear risk to the architectural design relative to a single quality attribute.

Nonrisk – a good decision.

Tradeoff – two quality attributes are being balanced here.

Sensitivity Point – a single quality attribute is impacted by